Pepper Johnson already fired as defensive coordinator of XFL’s Wildcats

No team allowed more points in the opening weekend of XFL action than the Los Angeles Wildcats, and they are apparently not about to stand for that type of poor defensive performance going forward.

On the heels of their 37-17 loss to the Houston Roughnecks, the Wildcats have fired defensive coordinator Pepper Johnson. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed the news after rumors began swirling on Monday.

XFL means business: Los Angeles Wildcats already have parted ways with DC Pepper Johnson.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 10, 2020

It’s unclear if the decision was based solely on LA’s poor play defensively on Saturday or if there were other factors, but Johnson actually has a solid resume. He was an assistant coach on Bill Belichick’s staff with the New England Patriots from 2000-2013 before taking positions with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets. Johnson was most recently the linebackers coach for the Memphis Express in the short-lived AAF league.

We may have seen plenty of lighthearted moments from the XFL with its first week of games, but teams seem to be serious about winning.