By Jim Carchidi
December 23, 2025
Orlando’s newest football team announced the addition of its first head coach on Tuesday, Dec. 23. Former St. Louis Battlehawks coach, Anthony Becht, will lead United Football League’s Orlando Storm into their inaugural season.
Leading with experience
Anthony Becht's history with the UFL and NFL made him the standout choice to lead the Orlando Storm. Photo courtesy of United Football League
“As we head into a new era, we needed someone who had the expertise to build a new franchise like the Orlando Storm from the ground up and what better person to do that than Anthony Becht,” said UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon.
Becht served as the Battlehawks head coach during the 2023-25 seasons, leading the team to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025. “Anthony Becht has been a tremendous coach and ambassador for the United Football League, and I have no doubt he’ll bring that same passion and leadership to the Orlando Storm,” said UFL Co-Owner Mike Repole.
His NFL experience began as a 2000 first round pick (27th overall) by the New York Jets. He played 11 seasons at tight end with the Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. From 2000 to 2010, Becht played in 152 consecutive games and is third behind Brett Favre and Peyton Manning for the longest NFL streak during that time period.
Becht's resume also includes time as an ESPN college football analyst, and as a pregame show host and radio color analyst for the Jets. He also coached tight ends in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, accepting the same position with the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football in 2018.
Local connections
UFL Co-Owner Mike Repole has stated a desire to employ statewide talent in the Orlando Storm organization. Photo by Jim Carchidi
At an October 7 media event announcing the Orlando Storm’s entry into the UFL, Repole stated a desire to maintain statewide connections in choosing Orlando Storm players and coaching staff. He said the idea was to take advantage of college fandom and to offer another avenue of success for talent. In his statement welcoming Becht to the team, Repole noted his Florida connections.
“As a Florida resident and former Buccaneer, he understands what football means to this state. We’re excited about bringing both Anthony and the Storm to Orlando and building something special for this community.”
“I look forward to returning to my home state of the last 21 years,” Becht said, “and welcome the task ahead in adding to the great tradition of football in the Sunshine State. I also want to thank Battlehawks Nation for all of their support. You will forever be in my heart.”
The Orlando Storm begins its 10-game season at Inter & Co Stadium in late March. For more information on the Orlando Storm, log onto the UFL website.
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About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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