Chupacabras' Head Coach Resigns Amid Struggles, Interim Replacement Named

In a significant shakeup just eleven games into their debut season, the Albuquerque-based Chupacabras have announced a coaching change. Head coach Kyle Moore-Brown has resigned, the team confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday.

Moore-Brown, a veteran of the Indoor Football League (IFL) both as a player and coach, has guided the Chupacabras to a disappointing 1-10 record during his brief tenure. The team is currently grappling with an eight-game losing streak, including a disheartening 74-18 defeat to the San Antonio Gunslingers last Saturday.

In response to the team's struggles, Jerome Haywood, a former assistant coach for the New Mexico Lobos, has been appointed as the interim head coach. Haywood, who has eight years of experience in the Canadian Football League, previously served as the Lobos’ defensive line coach from 2020 to 2023. He later transitioned to Cibola High School and operated a training service focused on offensive and defensive line development.

Mike Fietz, co-owner of the Chupacabras, expressed confidence in Haywood's abilities, stating, “Jerome's football resume speaks for itself. He has succeeded at every level of the game — as a standout collegiate player, a veteran professional, and an accomplished coach.” Fietz emphasized Haywood's understanding of the local community's passion for football and his commitment to leading the team forward.

Previously known as the Duke City Gladiators, the franchise underwent a rebranding to the Chupacabras after being acquired by Fietz and local businessman Bob Pitre last year. The team has struggled offensively throughout the IFL season, currently holding the league's lowest scoring average at 27.7 points per game and the poorest rushing performance at 39.3 yards per game.

The Chupacabras are set to face the Northern Arizona Wranglers on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Tingley Coliseum, with both teams sharing the league's worst record at 1-10.