As the Birmingham Stallions gear up for their season opener against the Louisville Kings, all eyes are on AJ McCarron, making his coaching debut. Despite his new role, McCarron’s extensive experience as a quarterback, combined with the fresh rules in the United Football League, gives him confidence that Birmingham won't be at a disadvantage.
McCarron acknowledges the learning curve that comes with the UFL's unique rules. “Not being able to punt once you cross the 50 changes everything,” he remarked.
“It’s essentially four-down territory unless you’re in field-goal range.” His time as a quarterback taught him the importance of clock management and decision-making, skills he plans to carry over into his coaching.
The UFL’s third season introduces intriguing twists: a four-point reward for field goals of 60 yards or more and a no-punt rule from the opponent’s half. These changes promise to keep coaches on their toes, as McCarron noted, “It’s not normal football, so there’s going to be some quirks.”
Despite the challenges, McCarron’s approach to game planning remains consistent. “I’ve always been involved in crafting the offensive strategy,” he explained. Collaborating with offensive coordinator Tyler Siskey and the rest of the staff, McCarron aims to devise a winning game plan.
McCarron’s football journey is storied, with accolades from high school through his time at Alabama and a solid professional career in the NFL and XFL/UFL. Now, he joins the ranks of first-time head coaches in the league, including Louisville’s Chris Redman, another former NFL quarterback.
The opening weekend of the UFL’s 2026 season is shrouded in uncertainty, as teams prepare without fully knowing their opponents’ strategies. “You kind of really just try to guess,” McCarron admitted, highlighting the unpredictability of facing new coaching staffs.
As the Stallions prepare to face the Kings at Lynn Family Field, McCarron emphasized the basics: ball security and discipline. “The first game comes down to taking care of the football and avoiding penalties,” he said.
“And tackling is crucial. The teams that tackle best often find early success.”
With kickoff set for 7 p.m. CDT and the game televised on FOX, fans are eager to see how McCarron’s transition from player to coach unfolds. The stage is set for an exciting start to the UFL season, and Birmingham is ready to rise to the challenge.