Houston Roughnecks Name Will Lewis General Manager

Lewis’ career is rich with spring football, former ties to the Roughnecks and Houston Gamblers

HOUSTON, Texas (July 19, 2024) – The Houston Roughnecks and the United Football League have announced the hiring of Will Lewis as the team’s new general manager. Lewis’ appointment follows the recent retirement of Lionel Vital following the 2024 season.

“Having played in Houston in the mid-80s with the Houston Gamblers and then having the chance to work with June Jones as the Assistant General Manager of the 2020 Houston Roughnecks, I am eager to return to H-Town and take care of business,” said Houston Roughnecks General Manager Will Lewis. “I look forward to working alongside Head Coach CJ Johnson to build a competitive team that will delight our passionate Houston fans!”

Lewis, who most recently served as director of player personnel for the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas in 2023, got his start in management with the Green Bay Packers, starting as a scout for the 1997 season. He then held several positions with the Seattle Seahawks from 1999-2012, including vice president of football operations from 2010-12. He then worked as director of pro scouting with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2013-17.

A native of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, he also served as general manager of the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football in 2019 and assistant director of pro personnel for the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL in 2020 before joining the Brahmas.

“Will’s deep understanding of spring football and his prior NFL experience will undoubtedly help develop these players, prepare them for the next level of their careers and position the Roughnecks for a competitive advantage this season,” said Houston Roughnecks head coach CJ Johnson.

Lewis, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 1980 by the Seahawks, had a playing career that spanned nine seasons and included stints in the National Football League, United States Football League and Canadian Football League. He also served as a defensive assistant with the New York/New Jersey Knights of the World Football League in 1992, a secondary defensive coach at the University of Maine in 1994 and an assistant defensive coach with the Atlanta Falcons from 1994-95.