Former Alabama QB AJ McCarron Named Head Coach Of UFL's Birmingham Stallions

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Former Alabama quarterback and three-time national champion AJ McCarron has been named the next head coach of the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League.

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As Patch previously reported, the news comes a day after McCarron announced he was dropping out of the Republican Primary for the Alabama lieutenant governor's office after entering the race in October.

McCarron will replace Skip Holtz, who stepped down this week after leading the franchise to three consecutive UFL championships.

UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon said McCarron’s deep ties to Alabama football and his track record of success made him the natural choice to guide the Stallions into their next chapter.

“AJ McCarron is a part of the fabric of winning football that is woven throughout the state of Alabama,” Brandon said. “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, spent the 2023–24 seasons as the starting quarterback for the UFL's St. Louis Battlehawks, leading the team to the 2024 UFL Playoffs.

During the XFL’s final season in 2023, he led the league in touchdown passes (24), completion percentage (68.8%) and passer rating (108.4).

Before his professional career, McCarron became one of the most accomplished players in Alabama football history as part of three national championship teams under head coach Nick Saban in 2009, 2011 and 2012

During his collegiate career, McCarron earned the Maxwell Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Kellen Moore Award in 2013. He was also a first-team All-American and a two-time All-SEC selection. His NFL career spanned eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons.

McCarron said he was eager for the chance to lead the Stallions.

“I am excited about this new opportunity with the UFL,” he said. “This game has given me so much as a player, and now I am ready to give back as a coach. 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.”

McCarron credited Holtz for establishing the foundation he hopes to build upon.

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

David Dykeman, the UFL’s senior vice president of football operations and chief of staff, said McCarron’s leadership experience positions him well for the role.

“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,” Dykeman said. “It is a great day for the Stallions and the State of Alabama.”

McCarron will take over immediately as the franchise prepares for the upcoming UFL season.

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