Who will coach Team USA's Flag Football squad at 2028 Olympics?

With NFL players now officially eligible to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Flag Football has gained unprecedented visibility. Yet as excitement builds around a potential American football "Dream Team," one fundamental question remains unanswered: Who will lead this team from the sidelines?

Coaching a squad of elite professional athletes in a sport that differs significantly from traditional tackle football presents unique challenges and is a different game entirely when it comes to structure, strategy, and skill.

Currently, the United States' men's national flag football team is headed by Jorge Cascudo, with Patrick Alley serving as his assistant as both head into their fourth year in charge of the project, boasting deep experience.

Cascudo, a veteran of the sport, has been both a player and a coach. However, he has not yet managed a roster filled with NFL talent-athletes who are used to professional-level resources, coaching methods, and expectations.

This dynamic raises questions and leads some to ponder, could he be replaced for a coach with NFL credentials capable of commanding the respect of high-profile athletes?

Given the NFL's backing of Olympic flag football and its close involvement in facilitating player participation, it's conceivable that the league may also look to its coaching ranks for leadership.

Although cruel, such a move would mirror what the NBA did in 1992 when it tapped NBA head coach Chuck Daly to lead its first Olympic team composed of professional players.

The possibility of an experienced NFL coach stepping into this role seems increasingly realistic. It might not be an active head coach, given the NFL season's overlap with the Olympic preparation period, but it could very well be a retired figure with a legacy worth extending.

For example, Bill Belichick. Though currently not coaching in the league, the six-time Super Bowl champion would bring unparalleled tactical acumen and respect within NFL circles. The only thing missing from his illustrious CV is an Olympic Gold anyway.

The existing flag football community, including coaches like Cascudo and Alley, has been instrumental in growing the sport globally so a decision to drop the pair could prove more than controversial.

There are now more than 20 million players worldwide and with 31 nations participating in the 2023 Flag Football World Championships alone, the sport is clearly on the up.

NFL players cleared to compete on Flag Football

Critically, the NFL has announced that their players will be allowed to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games, meaning fans can watch Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, Jamarr Chase and the likes of Jahmyr Gibbs compete for gold.

However, there are restrictions in place when it comes to player pooling. Olympic rules specify that each nation can only select one player per NFL team, along with one designated international player per club.

"Players have expressed to us a great desire for the honour of competing in the Olympics," said Lloyd Howell Jr., executive director of the NFLPA. "And we're excited that our will be able to represent their country on the highest international stage."