Former Alabama QB AJ McCarron named new Birmingham Stallions head coach

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - It’s new day with a familiar face for the Birmingham Stallions.

AJ McCarron, former Alabama, NFL and UFL quarterback, is the new head coach of the Stallions, UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon announced Thursday.

“AJ McCarron is a part of the fabric of winning football that is woven throughout the state of Alabama,” said Brandon. “It is only appropriate that a winner like AJ takes over the reins of the three-time champion Birmingham Stallions as they embark upon a new era.”

McCarron, a Mobile native, played for Alabama under head coach Nick Saban where he led the Tide to the 2011 and 2012 BCS National Championships.

While McCarron has no experience as a coach, he said he’s excited for the opportunity.

“This game has given me so much as a player, and now I am ready to give back as a coach,” he said. “It’s even more special that I get to do that while representing my home state – a state that has supported me throughout my career."

The announcement comes two days after former coach Skip Holtz announced he would be stepping away after leading the Stallions to three championships in the USFL and later UFL.

“Our team will build upon the amazing legacy of Skip Holtz. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Holtz, what he has done for the league and for the Stallions,” McCarron said. “I am ready to put in the work that will continue producing championship wins for the city of Birmingham.”

McCarron spent time at the quarterback position for the NFL’s Bengals, Bills, Raiders, Texans and Falcons.

Most recently, he led the St. Louis Battlehawks to the 2024 UFL Playoffs.

“We are so excited to welcome AJ as the new head coach of the Birmingham Stallions,” said David Dykeman, UFL Senior Vice President of Football Operations & Chief of Staff. “His success on the field has been achieved at every level and we know that it will continue as he becomes the leader of the Stallions. It is a great day for the Stallions and the state of Alabama.”

McCarron ended his candidacy for lieutenant governor Wednesday, saying it was to pursue a new career opportunity in football.

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