XFL's Wildcats fire defensive coordinator Pepper Johnson after losing opener
The XFL's Los Angeles Wildcats made a series of unusual moves Monday, two days after losing their first game in the league's inaugural season.
The Wildcats fired defensive coordinator Pepper Johnson in a decision that head coach Winston Moss called "difficult."
Meanwhile, linebacker and team captain Anthony Johnson tweeted that he is now a "free agent."
The Wildcats confirmed Pepper Johnson's firing in a statement from Moss.
"We recognize that there are issues we need to address for the 2020 season," Moss said. "While these decisions are difficult, we have given this significant thought. We are here to put the best possible product on the field for our fans. We thank Pepper for his contributions to the Wildcats and we are looking forward to our home opener this weekend."
The Wildcats lost their opener 37-17 to the Houston Roughnecks on Saturday. Johnson's defense allowed Houston quarterback P.J. Walker to throw four touchdown passes, leading a comeback from a 14-6 halftime deficit.
The team did not mention Anthony Johnson's apparent departure in its news release. He was named one of four team captains last week.
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