WHEELING — The Continental Football League Friday announced the Michigan Arrows as the league’s third Northern Division franchise, bringing professional summer football back to Michigan under one of the most recognizable names in CoFL history.

The Michigan Arrows will be owned by Mike Jones, a longtime Michigan football coach, leader, and media personality. Jones co-hosts the Boss Up Ball Out podcast, which focuses on Detroit Lions news and rumors. He previously spent four seasons, from 2021 through 2024, as defensive line coach at Jackson Northwest High School.

He earned an associate degree in business administration from Jackson College and is currently completing his bachelor’s degree at Siena Heights University.

“Michigan is football country, and the Arrows are a name that carries real history and purpose,” said Mike Kelly, Commissioner of the Continental Football League. “Our goal is to build a strong professional team that feels rooted in the community, while creating real opportunities for players and coaches who are still working toward the next level.”

The Michigan Arrows previously competed in the Continental Football League in 1968. The team played its home games at University of Detroit Stadium and featured notable talent, including Garo Yepremian, who later became a Super Bowl champion with the Miami Dolphins.

“This is more than launching a team,” said Jones. “It’s bringing something meaningful back. The Arrows stand for family, hard work, and Michigan pride. We plan to build this the right way, with energy, discipline, and a professional product our fans can believe in.”

The league’s return to Michigan comes as the professional spring football landscape continues to shift. The United Football League recently announced it will relocate the Michigan Panthers ahead of the 2026 season, creating an opening for a new professional presence in the state.

The CoFL has seen similar opportunities lead to strong local momentum in other markets. In San Antonio, the league’s San Antonio Toros brand has generated community support following news that the UFL’s Brahmas will not return for the 2026 season.

With the addition of the Michigan Arrows, the Continental Football League now includes six teams:

Northern Division–Ohio Valley Ironmen; Cincinnati Dukes; and Michigan Arrows

Southern Division–San Antonio Toros; Texas Syndicate; and Tall City Black Gold (Midland, Texas).

The Arrows join the Ohio Valley Ironmen and San Antonio Toros as modern CoFL franchises connected to the league’s original era.