Commissioner Mike Kelly Retires as Manny Matsakis Takes Over as CoFL CEO

The Continental Football League has announced a major leadership transition as Commissioner Mike Kelly officially retires after helping establish the foundation for the modern CoFL.

Kelly’s steady leadership, deep football background, and belief in building a true People’s League helped guide the league through its inaugural 2026 season. On behalf of every club, coach, player, sponsor, and fan, the Continental Football League extends its sincere thanks to Mike Kelly for his service and commitment.

Effective immediately, Manny Matsakis, Founder of the Continental Football League, assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer. Matsakis will now work directly with current ownership groups as the league begins shaping the next iteration of the CoFL heading into 2027.

“We have been blessed to have had Mike along for this bumpy ride in establishing a league that has such historical roots as a premier professional minor league. We have learned so much along the way and I look forward to lifting the veil on the next iteration of the Continental Football League as we head into 2027.”

— Manny Matsakis, CEO, Continental Football League

The league office expects major announcements in the weeks ahead as Matsakis meets with ownership groups across the league and outlines the strategic path toward the 2027 season. For sponsors, prospective owners, and market champions, this is the moment to lean in.

San Antonio Toros Complete Perfect 5–0 Season

Congratulations to the San Antonio Toros, recognized as the 2026 CoFL Champions on the strength of an undefeated regular season.

San Antonio closed its 2026 campaign with a 46–24 road victory over the Tall City Black Gold at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland. The win completed a perfect 5–0 season for the Toros and capped one of the most dominant runs of the league’s inaugural year.

Sunday’s Toros–Black Gold matchup was not a championship game. It served as San Antonio’s regular-season finale. The Toros are recognized as 2026 CoFL Champions because no championship game was played this year.

The Continental Cup, the CoFL’s true championship game, will be played after the 2027 season and will crown a unified league champion for the first time since 1969.

Black Gold Push the Toros in Midland

Although San Antonio finished the job, Tall City Black Gold delivered the strongest challenge any team put together against the Toros all season.

During the second and third quarters, the Black Gold caught San Antonio by surprise, stringing together three consecutive scoring drives while their defense slowed down the league’s most feared offense. Head coach Rodney Blackshear’s squad showed clear progress and proved that Southern Division football is only getting stronger.

San Antonio eventually regained control, but Black Gold’s performance served as a strong statement heading into the close of the 2026 season.

The game also marked a major milestone for Toros head coach Stan Bedwell, who earned his 100th career coaching win. San Antonio’s defense finished the season allowing just 30 total points across five games.

Watch the full replay here:
youtube.com/watch?v=JzgY6Yp2h4Y

Week 5 Recap

The Week 5 slate opened Saturday, June 27, in Pflugerville, Texas, where the Texas Syndicate defeated the Texas Herd, 38–6. Head coach James Champagne’s club looked sharp on both sides of the ball and entered Independence Day weekend playing its best football of the season.

San Antonio then completed its perfect season with a 46–24 win over Tall City Black Gold in Midland.

Week 5 Results:

Texas Syndicate 38, Texas Herd 6
San Antonio Toros 46, Tall City Black Gold 24

Independence Day Showdown Closes the 2026 Season

The CoFL closes its 2026 season with a marquee Independence Day matchup as the Texas Syndicate host the Tall City Black Gold in Pflugerville on Saturday, July 4, at 7 PM CST.

This matchup is a rematch of the “Slugfest in Midland,” where the Syndicate claimed a dramatic 23–20 win on the historic first-ever Los Dos punter conversion by Owen Meister.

Both clubs have improved dramatically since that first meeting. Black Gold pushed the undefeated Toros to their toughest test of the season, while the Syndicate are coming off a dominant 38-point performance against the Texas Herd.

Admission to Saturday’s game is free as the Syndicate and the CoFL salute Veterans, Active Service Members, and First Responders. Fans are encouraged to bring their families, bring the flag, and be part of the final game of the 2026 CoFL season.

CoFL Founder and CEO Manny Matsakis will also be in attendance in Pflugerville.

Watch live:
youtube.com/@UnitedFootballMedia

Did You Know?

Toros head coach Stan Bedwell reached 100 career coaching wins during San Antonio’s championship night. The Toros also finished the season allowing only 30 total points across five games, setting a defensive standard that may be difficult to match in the modern CoFL.

Build the League. Own a Club. 2027 Starts Now.

The next iteration of the Continental Football League begins immediately.

Under new CEO leadership, the CoFL is actively engaging prospective ownership groups, investors, and market champions in cities across the country. For anyone who has ever wanted to bring professional football home, the door is wide open.

Ownership inquiries are welcomed at:
coflfootball.com/ownership

What’s Next

Next week, The Continental will close the inaugural 2026 CoFL season with an Independence Day recap and a full 2026 season review.

The league office will continue providing meaningful updates and full transparency as the CoFL sets its course toward 2027 — unified and ready to go.

Thank you, Mike. Congratulations, Toros. Happy Independence Day, and see you on the broadcast.

— The CoFL League Office

The Continental Football League
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