The Birmingham Stallions are entering a new chapter - and it’s one that’s already sparking plenty of conversation across Alabama. On Thursday, the franchise named A.J.
McCarron as its next head coach, following Skip Holtz’s departure from the UFL to explore other career opportunities. It’s a big move for the reigning UFL champions, and one that’s drawing both excitement and backlash - especially from fans on the Auburn side of the Iron Bowl divide.
Let’s start with the football side of things. Under Holtz, the Stallions weren’t just good - they were dominant.
Two USFL titles before the merger with the XFL, and then a 25-0 shutout in the inaugural UFL Championship Game against the San Antonio Brahmas in 2024. That kind of sustained spring league success is rare, and Holtz helped build Birmingham into the gold standard of non-NFL football.
So when a program that’s been defined by experienced leadership and consistent wins turns to a first-time head coach, there’s naturally going to be some skepticism. And when that coach is a former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback - in a state where college football allegiances run deeper than just about anywhere - it adds another layer of drama.
McCarron, for his part, is embracing the opportunity. In a statement following the announcement, 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.” *
That last line didn’t exactly sit well with Auburn fans, who’ve spent years rooting against McCarron on Saturdays in the fall. Social media lit up with reactions from Tiger supporters who felt alienated by the hire.
Some even said they’re done supporting the Stallions altogether. For a team that’s prided itself on building a broad base of support across the state, that’s a real concern.
Still, it’s important to separate the emotion from the football. McCarron is stepping into a program with a winning culture and a roster that knows how to compete.
The question now is whether he can translate his experience as a player - both in college and in the pros - into success as a head coach. That’s no small task, especially following someone like Holtz, who had both the résumé and the locker room on his side.
There’s also the matter of leadership beyond the sideline. With former GM Zach Potter also no longer with the organization, the Stallions are undergoing a full-scale transition at the top.
That kind of turnover can be destabilizing, even for championship teams. Continuity has been a big part of Birmingham’s success - and now, for the first time in years, that continuity is gone.
It’s clear McCarron has confidence in his ability to lead. He spoke highly of Holtz in his statement, saying, *“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. I am ready to put in the work that will continue producing championship wins for the city of Birmingham.”
That’s the mindset you want from a new coach. But in a state where football is personal, and where college loyalties never truly fade, this hire is going to be judged on more than just wins and losses.
McCarron will have to prove he can unite a fanbase that’s already showing signs of division. And he’ll need to do it fast, because in Birmingham, the standard has been set - and it’s championship or bust.
The Stallions are betting big on a new face with deep ties to the state. Whether McCarron can turn that into continued success on the field - and in the stands - is the next big storyline to watch in the UFL.