 In 2001, he was drafted by the Chicago Enforcers of the XFL with the ninth overall selection, but lost the starting quarterback job to fellow Notre Dame alum Kevin McDougal.After the XFL folded at the conclusion of its only season, Failla accepted the position of offensive coordinator at Saint Francis University, where in the 2005 season his offense set school records for passing yards (3,223), total offense (4,479) and touchdowns (37).He groomed multiple all-conference players including quarterback Anthony Doria (NEC offensive player of the year), wide receiver Luke Palko, running back Todd Harris, and Division I-AA All-American wide receiver Micheal Caputo and Quarterback / wide receiver Joe DeLeo.