The 2024 DC Defenders season was the third season for the DC Defenders as a professional American football franchise and their first as a member of the United Football League (UFL). The Defenders played their home games at Audi Field and were led by head coach Reggie Barlow.
Following an upset loss to the Arlington Renegades in the 2023 XFL Championship, the franchise looked to return the playoffs. However, despite a 2–1 start, the team would be troubled with injuries to key players and poor defensive play, resulting in them going on a poor 3–3 start by Week 6 in which they would never recover as they were officially eliminated from playoff contention following a Week 8 loss to the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Signees to the NFL Player Position Date NFL teamRef.Daniel WhelanPMay 17Green Bay PackersFerrod GardnerLBMay 22Washington CommandersLucky JacksonWRMay 23Minnesota VikingsBrandon SmithWRJune 12Arizona CardinalsChris BlairWRJune 16Atlanta FalconsLiam FornadelOGJune 18New England Patriots
Schedule All times Eastern Week Day Date Kickoff TV Opponent Results Location Attendance Score Record 1 Sunday March 31 12:00 p.m. ESPN at San Antonio Brahmas L 12–27 0–1 Alamodome 13,164 2 Sunday April 7 4:00 p.m. Fox Houston Roughnecks W 23–18 1–1 Audi Field 15,052 3 Saturday April 13 1:00 p.m. ESPN at Arlington Renegades W 29–28 2–1 Choctaw Stadium 8,411 4 Saturday April 20 7:00 p.m. Fox at Birmingham Stallions L 18–20 2–2 Protective Stadium 7,262 5 Sunday April 28 12:00 p.m. ESPN St. Louis Battlehawks L 12–45 2–3 Audi Field 16,058 6 Sunday May 5 4:00 p.m. Fox San Antonio Brahmas W 18–12 3–3 Audi Field 14,303 7 Sunday May 12 12:00 p.m. ESPN Michigan Panthers L 9–22 3–4 Audi Field 12,222 8 Sunday May 19 12:00 p.m. ABC at St. Louis Battlehawks L 21–26 3–5 The Dome at America's Center 32,403 9 Sunday May 26 2:30 p.m. Fox at Memphis Showboats W 36–21 4–5 Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium 6,387 10 Sunday June 2 12:00 p.m. ABC Arlington Renegades L 31–32 4–6 Audi Field 13,080
Game summaries Week 1: at San Antonio Brahmas
Standings
Roster
Staff The 2024 coaching staff was announced on February 21, 2024. DC Defenders staffFront office General manager – Von Hutchins
Head coach Head coach – Reggie Barlow
Offensive coaches Offensive Coordinator – Fred Kaiss Wide Receivers – Sean Anderson Offensive Line – Sean Kugler Quarterbacks – Shannon Harris Defensive coaches Defensive Backs – Vern Dean Linebackers – Deion Harris Defensive Line – Jeremy Watkins Defensive Coordinator – Gregg Williams Offensive Line coach Russ Ehrenfeld was replaced by Sean Kugler Week 6.
References