Team History
On May 11, 1982, the announcement of the USFL was officially made by league owner and antique dealer, David Dixon.[1] The league’s Philadelphia team would be owned by real estate developer Myles H. Tanenbaum. He had originally wanted to name the team the Stallions in honor of Rocky Balboa, who was nicknamed “The Italian Stallion.” However, when the Birmingham entry snapped up the Stallions name, Tanenbaum settled on “Stars.”[2]
George Perles was originally named as the team’s head coach in July 1982. Perles, previously an assistant coach for the NFL‘s Pittsburgh Steelers, never coached a game for the Stars, opting to take the head coach position for Michigan State instead. On January 15, 1983, the Stars hired Jim Mora to be their head coach.[3]
Coaching Staff and Front Office
Myles Tannenbaum: Owner
| Head Coach: Jim Mora |
| Dom Capers | Defensive Backs |
| Jim Erkenbeck | Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line |
| Joe Marciano | Special Teams/Tight Ends |
| John Pease | Defensive Line |
| Jim Skipper | Running Backs |
| Carl Smith | Quarterbacks/Receivers |
| Vince Tobin | Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers |