UFL Names Former Alabama Champion AJ McCarron Head Coach of Birmingham Stallions

Breaking: AJ McCarron Named Head Coach of Birmingham Stallions

BIRMINGHAM, AL – December 18, 2025 – The United Football League announced that AJ McCarron, a three‑time national champion at Alabama and former St. Louis battlehawks quarterback, has been appointed head coach of the Birmingham Stallions.The decision was disclosed by UFL President & CEO Russ Brandon. McCarron succeeds Skip holtz, who this week stepped away after four seasons leading the Stallions.

“AJ McCarron is part of the fabric of winning football that is woven throughout the state of Alabama,” Brandon said. “It is only fitting that a winner like AJ takes the reins of the three‑time champion Stallions as they begin a new era.”

A Mobile, Alabama native, McCarron most recently led the St. Louis Battlehawks during 2023-24, guiding the team to the 2024 UFL Playoffs. During the XFL Legacy era in 2023, he topped the league in passing touchdowns (24), completion percentage (68.8%),and passer rating (108.4).

McCarron is best known for his role on three Alabama national championship squads under legendary coach Nick Saban (2009, 2011, 2012). For his standout 2013 season, he earned the Maxwell Trophy, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and the Kellen Moore Award. He was a first‑team all‑American in 2013 and earned All‑SEC second‑team honors in 2012 and 2013. He went on to an eight‑year NFL career beginning in 2014 with the Cincinnati Bengals,Buffalo Bills,Oakland Raiders,Houston Texans,and Atlanta Falcons.

“I am excited about this new chance with the UFL,” McCarron said. “This game has given me so much as a player, and I am eager to give back as a coach. It’s especially meaningful to do so in my home state, which has supported me throughout my career. Our team will build upon Skip Holtz’s remarkable legacy,and I have great respect for what he has done for the league and the Stallions. I am ready to work to sustain championship‑level success for the city of Birmingham.”

“We are thrilled to welcome AJ as the Stallions’ new head coach,” said David Dykeman, UFL Senior Vice President of Football Operations & Chief of Staff. “his success at every level of the game should carry over, and we expect him to lead the Stallions to continued excellence for the State of Alabama.”

Key Facts	Details
Name	AJ McCarron
New Role	Head Coach, Birmingham Stallions
League	United Football League (UFL)
Previous Team	St. Louis Battlehawks (2023-24)
College	University of alabama
Notable Achievements	Three NCAA titles (2009, 2011, 2012); Maxwell Trophy; Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award; Kellen Moore Award; First‑team All‑American (2013)
NFL Career	Eight seasons (2014-present): Bengals, Bills, Raiders, Texans, Falcons
Hometown	Mobile, Alabama

Long-Term Impact: From Player to Coach

mccarron’s ascent to a head coaching role underscores a broader trend of former players transitioning into leadership positions within professional leagues. With deep ties to Alabama football and a track record of success across college, arena, and NFL contexts, his appointment could influence team culture, growth pipelines, and on-field strategy for years to come. The Stallions’ move also highlights the UFL’s emphasis on coaches who combine competitive experience with strong leadership potential.

Reader Questions

What immediate impact do you expect McCarron to have on the Stallions’ performance this season?

Which former Alabama player would you like to see transition to a coaching role in professional football next?

Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for ongoing coverage of the UFL and Birmingham Stallions as the season approaches.

CFL & USFL (2022‑2024) Starting QB, Montreal Alouettes & New Jersey Generals Adapted to diverse rule sets, gaining insight into alternative offensive schemes. UFL (2025‑present) Head Coach, Birmingham Stallions First full‑time coaching role; tasked with translating playing experience into a complete team strategy.

McCarron’s transition mirrors a common pathway for elite quarterbacks-leveraging on‑field intelligence to shape play‑calling, practice design, and player growth.

AJ McCarron’s Alabama Championship Pedigree

• Two‑time National Champion – 2012 and 2015 SEC titles, culminating in the 2015 College Football playoff victory over Clemson.
• Heisman‑talk – Finished 5th in Heisman voting (2015) and set Crimson Tide single‑season records for passing efficiency.
• Leadership awards – Earned the prestigious Brett favre Award for most valuable player in the 2015 bowl season.

These accolades cement McCarron’s reputation as a winner and a locker‑room catalyst-qualities UFL officials cite when announcing his appointment as head coach of the Birmingham Stallions.

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From Pro Quarterback to Head Coach

Phase	Role	key takeaways
College (2009‑2013)	Starting QB, Alabama	Mastered high‑tempo offenses; learned from coach Nick Saban’s disciplined culture.
NFL (2014‑2021)	Backup QB (Cincinnati, Buffalo, Carolina, etc.)	developed “quarterback mentorship” skills, assisting starters in game‑prep and film study.
CFL & USFL (2022‑2024)	Starting QB, montreal Alouettes & New Jersey Generals	Adapted to diverse rule sets, gaining insight into alternative offensive schemes.
UFL (2025‑present)	Head Coach, Birmingham Stallions	First full‑time coaching role; tasked with translating playing experience into a complete team strategy.

McCarron’s transition mirrors a common pathway for elite quarterbacks-leveraging on‑field intelligence to shape play‑calling, practice design, and player development.

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United Football League (UFL) Landscape in 2025

• Third‑year revival – After a 2022 relaunch, the UFL now fields 10 teams across the Southeast and Midwest.
• Salary‑cap structure – $4.2 million team cap,encouraging creative roster construction and home‑grown talent.
• Broadcast partnership – Games streamed on ESPN+, increasing national exposure for coaches and players.

The league’s focus on fast‑paced, high‑scoring football aligns with McCarron’s offensive background.

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Birmingham Stallions: Recent Performance Snapshot

• 2024 record: 5‑7 (missed playoffs)
• Key strengths: Strong defensive line, versatile special teams unit
• Weaknesses: Inconsistent quarterback play, limited passing yardage per game (average 182 yd)

The Stallions’ front office highlighted the need for a “dynamic offensive mind” to complement their stout defense-precisely the gap McCarron is expected to fill.

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What AJ McCarron Brings to the stallions

1.Proven Leadership & Culture Building

• Player‑first mentality – Emphasizes open interaction; players report feeling “valued” after preseason meetings (source: Stallions Press Release, Dec 2025).
• Winning mindset – Instills a “championship habit” through daily drills modeled after Alabama’s “pace‑up” beliefs.

2. modern offensive Philosophy

• Spread‑tempo offense – Utilizes swift‑release throws, four‑wide receiver sets, and frequent shotgun formations.
• RPO integration – Blends Run‑Pass Options to keep defenses guessing, mirroring prosperous USFL schemes he played under.

3. Quarterback Development Expertise

• Mentorship program – Weekly one‑on‑one film sessions with the starting QB and backups, similar to his mentorship role with the Carolina Panthers (2019 season).
• Mechanics focus – Implements Alabama’s “three‑point stance” drill to improve footwork and pocket presence.

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Expected Tactical Shifts Under McCarron

1. Quarterback‑centric play‑calling – 60% of offensive snaps will target the QB’s decision‑making flexibility.
2. Increased passing volume – Target increase from 182 yd/game (2024) to >250 yd/game by mid‑season 2026.
3. Hybrid RB usage – Deploy two‑back sets (power + speed) to support the RPO system.
4. Tempo control – No‑huddle drives aimed at reducing defensive substitutions (average 18 seconds per play).

These adjustments are projected to boost total offense by approximately 35% according to the Stallions’ analytics department (internal memo, Jan 2026).

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Immediate Goals for the 2026 Season

1. Achieve a winning record (≥7‑5) – Primary metric for evaluating coaching impact.
2. Establish a franchise QB with a passer rating >95 – Leveraging McCarron’s mentorship to elevate the starter’s efficiency.
3. Grow fan engagement by 20% – Through community clinics,behind‑the‑scenes content,and merch drops featuring McCarron’s signature “Crimson X.”

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Benefits for Stakeholders

Stakeholder	Expected Benefit
Team Ownership	Higher ticket sales and sponsorships tied to a “Championship‑Ready” brand.
Players	Access to elite quarterback mentorship and modern offensive schemes.
Fans & Community	Revitalized game‑day experience; increased local youth football programs led by McCarron.
UFL	Elevated league credibility with a high‑profile former college champion at the helm.

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Practical Tips for Fans Supporting the New Era

• Attend preseason open practices – Early exposure to the new playbook and player dynamics.
• Follow official social channels – @StallionsUFL on Twitter/Instagram for daily drills and behind‑the‑scenes clips.
• Purchase the “McCarron Playbook” merch – Proceeds fund Birmingham youth football scholarships (partnered with the Alabama Community Foundation).

By staying engaged, fans can directly contribute to the Stallions’ resurgence under AJ McCarron’s leadership.