SFLm Franchise Spotlight: Birmingham Hellhounds
An Exclusive Sit-Down Interview
ARTICLE BY ELI DEIOMES [S'cylle Aldmiir] | SFLm Media Director
For our final feature in this season’s SFLm expansion series, we head south to meet the minds behind one of the league’s boldest new identities: the Birmingham Hellhounds.
This is a franchise born from friendship, fierce rivalry, and an undying love of football — led by co-owners Jimmy Hatzis and Michael Goodman. Together, they bring decades of competitive experience and leadership into the Simulation Football League, and they’re ready to make their mark.
Join me as I sit down with both owners to explore their story, background, and vision for the Hellhounds!
SECTION 1: Getting to Know You
Eli Deiomes: Let’s start at the beginning — how did you first discover the Simulation Football League, and what pulled you in?
Michael Goodman:
It’s true — our rivalry turned friendship really set the stage. We loved every aspect of team building and competition, so when I stumbled upon the SFL and saw the incredible community and structure, I knew I had to tell Jimmy about it.
Seeing how immersive the league was, how passionate the players and coaches were — it instantly felt like a perfect fit. We had football left to coach, and this was the place to do it.
Jimmy Hatzis:
The story of how Michael and I became long-time friends is a great one. We were both part of an online “Coach Mode” football league called the Paydirt Football League, where we were fierce competitors. Over time, our matchups became legendary — and so did our friendship.
We did radio shows together, watched NFL games live, and bonded over family and football.
When EA Sports started shifting away from realistic football, our old league lost its shine. But we still had the passion — and that’s when Michael found the SFL. Once I saw the community, the weekly productions, and the conventions, I was in.
We’d always coached against each other — never together — so this felt like the start of a brand-new era.
ED: What moment made you think, “Yep, I want to run a team here”?
JH:
We were both used to running every aspect of a team — drafting, trading, managing the cap, calling plays. Just being a player wouldn’t satisfy us for long.
From almost day one, we started asking how we could become owners. First, we paid our dues — we built rookie players and accepted coaching roles with the Denver Nightwings.
That experience showed us how rewarding it is to lead a locker room. It cemented the dream: we wanted to build a legacy of our own.
MG:
I’ll echo that — ownership was the goal from the start.
When we joined Denver and became coordinators, that drive only grew. Leading players, building culture — it’s exactly what we love about this space. Now we’re here, ready to take the next step with the Hellhounds.
ED: What’s your background within the league so far — have you been a player, coach, media contributor, fan? Tell us a little about your SFL journey.
JH:
We’ve been a little of everything!
I created a Defensive player, even though my real-life background is on offense. I wanted to embrace the challenge fully — which is why I also became Denver’s Defensive Coordinator.
Ironically, our rookie players faced off in an SFLm Championship — a fun nod to our old rivalry! Now, as coaches and franchise owners, we’re committed to growing this league and helping players thrive.
MG:
I chose Wide Receiver for my player — and I was fortunate enough to be named SFLm MVP in my second season.
Like Jimmy, I embraced coaching quickly — becoming Offensive Coordinator in Denver.
Now, we’re excited to launch the Birmingham Hellhounds, and we hope to one day earn a spot as an SFL Pro franchise as well.
ED: How would you describe your leadership style in one sentence — and what would your team say it actually is?
MG:
Our leadership style is best described as, "Lead by example, be great and inspire others to follow, no man is greater than the cause and there is only one singular goal a championship or bust."
I think if you asked our current team the Denver Nightwings, they would say that Jimmy and I expect greatness, provide guidance, take the fall when the team takes a fall, rise up when no one says that we can, and we inspire the team to achieve everything that the doubters say that we can't achieve.
ED: Outside of football, what’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
MG:
I’m a plant manager at a plastics company — we manufacture storage shelves, cabinets, and Milwaukee Packout products.
I’m also a big Indianapolis Colts fan, a father of five boys, and the proud owner of some very active border collies.
And yes — you’ll often find me deep in data analysis of playbooks, looking for any edge we can find. The numbers never lie.
JH:
I’m a Homicide Sergeant with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, with over 30 years of experience between Miami and the NYPD. Eighteen of those years have been in Homicide work.
But more than that, I’m a proud father of five. My time outside of work and the SFL is all about my family — whether it’s baseball tournaments, football games, or time with my amazing wife.
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ED: Every team in the SFLm tells a story — through its name, its colours, its logo, and its identity on the field.
For the Birmingham Hellhounds, that story is one of passion, creativity, and a deep respect for both football and fantasy. Now that we've explored what makes the ownership duo tick, let's dive behind the scenes of how this brand came to life — and what it represents to the league.
SECTION 2: Team Identity & Branding
ED: Every team tells a story. What’s the story behind your team’s name and branding?
MG:
We actually started talking about team concepts around six to eight months ago. Birmingham wasn’t the first city we considered — we bounced around quite a few options.
But ultimately, we wanted a city and state that hadn’t been awarded a franchise yet in the SFL or SFLm.
Once we discovered that Birmingham is known as the "Pittsburgh of the South" — and with Jimmy being a huge Steelers fan — it felt like a natural fit.
The name took a journey too. Our first concept was Demons, but that felt too generic. I wanted something that hadn’t been used in the league before — something with unique potential.
As a long-time World of Warcraft player, I was always fascinated by the Hellhound creature. It’s a strong, dynamic symbol — and it gave us creative freedom with colours and branding. That’s how the Birmingham Hellhounds were born — from both football inspiration and a little fantasy flair.
ED: What made you choose your colour scheme and logo elements? Any hidden meanings?
MG:
From day one, I knew I wanted neon green — inspired by the Seattle Seahawks' colour rush uniforms.
In World of Warcraft, the neon green flame effect is visually stunning — and I felt it would translate well to a football identity.
We tested a lot of colour combinations, but ultimately, purple and neon green made the logo pop the most.
The grey horns provide transition and balance, while black and white give us flexibility for future uniform designs.
We really wanted a colour scheme that felt bold and versatile — and I think we achieved that.
ED: If your team mascot could talk, what would its catchphrase be?
MG:
"Rent is due each week."
I’ve used this phrase many times in our Denver locker room, where we were often underdogs.
The full message is:
"Success isn’t owned. It’s rented. And rent is due each week."
There are no automatic wins here. Every week, we — and our opponents — have to earn it.
For me and Jimmy, the moment we submit one week’s playbook, we’re already preparing for the next. That’s the mindset we want our team to embrace.
ED: In three words or less, what “vibe” should your team give off when they hit the field?
MG:
Cohesion. Leadership. Excitement/Anticipation.
We want to be a well-prepared team that plays with energy and unity — and that opponents respect every time we take the field.
ED: What’s one branding detail you’re especially proud of that fans might not notice at first glance?
MG:
One detail I really love is in the logo itself.
Behind the Hellhound is a gate — a subtle reference to the creature’s role in guarding the gates of the Underworld.
It’s a small touch, but it ties the entire concept together — and adds depth to our branding.
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ED: Becoming an owner in the SFLm is more than building a roster — it’s about building a culture, a legacy, and a vision for what your team will stand for.
For the Birmingham Hellhounds, that vision is crystal clear — and it starts with a relentless pursuit of greatness on and off the field.
SECTION 3: Team Culture & Long-Term Vision
ED: What are you most excited for when your team finally hits the field for the first time?
JH:
When Goodman and I joined this league, we were complete unknowns with a lot to prove.
Owning our own franchise is an honour and a humbling experience — and what excites us most is the opportunity to take something from nothing and make it special.
We have a distinct mindset in how we approach football and life: if our name is behind it, we will give it everything we have.
Our goal is to build relationships with our players like they’re family, to compete at a high level, and to show the SFL world that we’ve arrived.
It’s not about just showing up — it’s about showing out in Birmingham.
ED: What kind of team culture are you hoping to build, both on and off the field?
JH:
The culture in Birmingham will be very simple:
No one is bigger than the team.
Winning is our goal — and you’re either on board or in our way.
Great players and players who don’t strive to be great won’t mix. Great players elevate those around them. Others simply get by.
On the field, we want hard-hitting, smash-mouth players who want to let the world know they’ve arrived. We want a take-no-prisoners attitude and selfless players who are team-first.
We want every player to be willing to put life and limb on the line for their teammates.
Off the field, we want studious thinkers, players who want to learn, improve, and show up prepared for everything and anything.
We will build every one of our players for greatness.
ED: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the SFLm?
JH:
The legacy we want to create is one of fair play and respect.
Our opponents should know that once the handshake at midfield ends, it’s time for war.
We will crawl, scratch, bleed, and never give up as long as there’s breath in our lungs.
But after the game — win or lose — we will always show the utmost honour and respect to our peers.
We want to be known as blue-collar guys, family men who live and breathe football at our core.
Ultimately, our goal is to move to the Pros, build a championship resume, and make the Birmingham Hellhounds a household name in this league.
ED: Be honest — when that first win comes, how are you celebrating?
JH:
When that first win comes, it won’t be about us — it’ll be about the players.
I imagine we’ll leave an inspirational message in the locker room and then take a moment of quiet reflection, soaking it all in.
Nothing compares to the feeling of winning when you know how hard you worked to get there.
And on the “be honest” part — once the adrenaline wears off, I’ll just say this: the wives better be prepared for a wild night of passionate celebration!
ED: Five seasons from now — where do you see the Hellhounds?
JH:
If all goes well, in five seasons we’ll be in the Pros, with one of the best rosters around.
We’ll have a locker room full of great personalities, a warm, family environment, and at least a few playoff wins — but hopefully, a Championship victory.
That’s the vision — and we won’t stop chasing it.
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ED:We’ve seen the vision. We’ve heard about the culture.
But what does it feel like to play for the Birmingham Hellhounds?
Let's take a glimpse of the vibes, traditions, and swagger that the owners hope the team will bring to the SFLm stage — both on the field and off.
SECTION 4: Game Day Vibes & Final Thoughts
ED: If your team had a walkout song, what would it be and why?
MG:
Easy choice: "Run This Town" by Jay-Z.
In sports, there can only be one winner — and that song sets the stage perfectly for a football game.
It’s about swagger, confidence, and drive — and asking that key question: "Who wants it more?"
It’s one of the best hype songs out there in my opinion, and it fits what we want our players to feel as they hit the field.
ED: If you could bring one fictional coach in to give your team a pregame speech, who would it be — and why?
MG:
Coach Herman Boone from Remember the Titans, without a doubt.
He didn’t tolerate egos — and all that mattered was getting his players in the right positions to win games, even in chaotic times.
That’s exactly the mindset we want in Birmingham. Selfless, team-first, no drama — just winning.
ED: If the Hellhounds threw a team cookout, who would be on the grill, and who would accidentally fall asleep in a lawn chair?
MG:
Rodney and Mike K would definitely be the ones on the grill — no doubt about that!
As for who would fall asleep in a lawn chair? Honestly, none of us — Goodman, Hatzis, Rodney, Mike — we all prepare so hard, I wouldn’t expect anyone to be asleep.
We’d be the ones organizing the games and making sure everyone was having a great time. We’re too wired to sit still!
ED: If your team were a movie, what would the title and tagline be?
MG:
Movie Title: The Standard
Tagline: Greatness is not given. It is expected.
That’s the tone we want to set in Birmingham — championship standards, every single day.
ED: What’s one fun team tradition or “inside thing” you hope to start in your locker room?
MG:
Haven’t thought too much about it yet, but I know this:
We’re going to make it a point to celebrate with our players after games — and work with each one to ensure their builds are elite when they leave Birmingham for the pros.
That’s a tradition in itself: preparing every Hellhound for greatness beyond SFLm
ED: What message would you want to send to your future SFLm rivals?
MG:
Rivalries will form — and that’s part of the fun.
We want to embrace the rivalry, have some friendly banter back and forth, and enjoy the competition.
But at the end of the day, it’s about respect — respect for other players, for great owners, and for the league as a whole.
We’ll bring the fire, but we’ll also bring the class.
ED: That's an amazing mindset to have regarding rivalries, and a great point about respect playing a major role in how you want your team to shape their position here in the league. I can't wait to see it in action!
On behalf of the SLFm, Commissioner Alex West, Assistant Developer J.W Hartshorn, and myself, I want to thank you both for taking the time to sit down with me and answer these questions; it's been an absolute honour to sit down with 2 SFL vets such as yourselves, and to get to know you both on a personal level, as well as a professional one.
Best of luck in the upcoming draft, and I can't wait to see the Hellhounds take to the SFLm field in week 1!
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As Birmingham prepares to unleash the Hellhounds this season, one thing is clear: this is a team built on respect, drive, and an unwavering standard of greatness.
Get ready, SFLm — the gates are open.
Thank you so much for joining me for these deep dives into what makes our latest SFLm franchises tick -- it has truly been an honour and a privilege getting to know these gentlemen, and we here at the SFLm cannot wait to see what Season 11 has in store for them!
Until next time! -- ED