What Is 2014 New Orleans VooDoo football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 New Orleans VooDoo were an Arena Football League (AFL) team that finished the regular season with a 6–12 record, failing to qualify for the playoffs under head coach Ron James.

Key Facts

The 2014 New Orleans VooDoo played in the Arena Football League (AFL).
They finished the season with a 6–12 win-loss record.
Head coach was Ron James, in his second season with the team.
Home games were played at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
The team did not qualify for the 2014 AFL playoffs.

Overview

The 2014 New Orleans VooDoo were a professional arena football team competing in the Arena Football League (AFL), representing New Orleans, Louisiana. After returning from a two-year hiatus, the VooDoo aimed to reestablish their presence in the league but struggled with consistency throughout the season.

The team finished the regular season with a disappointing 6–12 record, placing them near the bottom of the conference standings. Despite flashes of offensive potential and home-field support at the Smoothie King Center, they failed to qualify for the playoffs under head coach Ron James.

Season Record: The VooDoo ended the 2014 AFL season with a 6–12 win-loss record, one of the worst in the league that year.
Head Coach:Ron James led the team in his second consecutive season at the helm, focusing on rebuilding team chemistry and defensive structure.
Home Venue: All home games were played at the Smoothie King Center, which has a seating capacity of approximately 17,000 for arena football.
Return from Hiatus: The 2014 season marked the team’s return after sitting out the 2012 and 2013 seasons due to financial and operational challenges.
Playoff Miss: With only six wins, the VooDoo did not secure a playoff berth, finishing outside the top four teams in the American Conference.

How It Works

The Arena Football League operates with a unique set of rules and seasonal structure distinct from outdoor football, influencing team performance and strategy. The 2014 VooDoo’s season was shaped by league mechanics, roster limitations, and in-season challenges.

Season Length: The 2014 AFL regular season consisted of 18 games, with the VooDoo playing nine at home and nine away.
Roster Size: Teams maintained a 24-player active roster, with additional players on practice and injury lists affecting depth.
Game Format: Each game featured four 15-minute quarters with a 30-second play clock, emphasizing fast-paced, high-scoring action.
Scoring Rules: Arena football includes unique scoring elements such as the two-point conversion from the two-yard line and rebound nets behind the end zones.
Playoff Qualification: Only the top four teams in each conference qualified, and the VooDoo finished below .500, eliminating playoff hopes.
Coaching Strategy: Ron James emphasized offensive tempo, but the defense allowed an average of 63.2 points per game, among the league’s worst.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2014 VooDoo compared to other AFL teams in key performance metrics:

Team	Record (W-L)	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
New Orleans VooDoo	6–12	1,138	1,138	Did not qualify
Cleveland Gladiators	10–8	1,252	1,182	Lost in semifinals
Philadelphia Soul	13–5	1,322	1,056	Lost in ArenaBowl
Arizona Rattlers	14–4	1,376	1,012	Won ArenaBowl XXVII
Spokane Shock	7–11	1,114	1,204	Did not qualify

The VooDoo ranked near the bottom in both offensive output and defensive performance. While they scored 1,138 total points, they also allowed the same amount, highlighting a lack of balance. Their point differential was among the worst in the league, and injuries to key players like quarterback Tommy Grady impacted consistency. The team showed moments of competitiveness but lacked the depth and discipline of playoff-caliber squads.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a pivotal but ultimately underwhelming chapter in the VooDoo’s history, reflecting broader challenges in sustaining arena football teams in mid-sized markets.

Franchise Viability: The poor record and low attendance raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the VooDoo in New Orleans.
Fan Engagement: Average home attendance was around 8,500, below capacity and insufficient to ensure financial stability.
Player Development: Several VooDoo players were signed to NFL practice squads, showcasing the AFL’s role as a developmental platform.
League Instability: The AFL faced financial and structural issues in the mid-2010s, contributing to franchise turnover.
Legacy Impact: The 2014 season foreshadowed the team’s eventual suspension in 2015 due to league restructuring.
Regional Sports Scene: The VooDoo provided alternative entertainment in a city dominated by the NFL’s Saints, but struggled to gain lasting traction.

Ultimately, the 2014 New Orleans VooDoo season serves as a case study in the difficulties of maintaining niche professional sports leagues. Despite passionate fan support at times, the combination of on-field performance, financial constraints, and league-wide instability led to the franchise’s dormancy after 2015.