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A.J. McCarron Named Birmingham Stallions Head Coach After Ending Lt. Governor Bid

The former Alabama star takes his first coaching role replacing Skip Holtz ahead of the UFL's late‑March 2026 kickoff.

Overview

  • McCarron ended his Republican lieutenant governor campaign Wednesday, citing a football job requiring "100% focus" in a statement.
  • The UFL and Stallions announced Thursday he will lead Birmingham for the 2026 season, succeeding Skip Holtz, who stepped down earlier this week.
  • The 35-year-old enters coaching for the first time after a decorated Alabama career and stints with multiple NFL teams and the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks.
  • State records show he first registered to vote in Alabama in October before launching his outsider bid, and he said he may return to politics in the future.
  • His exit leaves a GOP field including Secretary of State Wes Allen and Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate ahead of the May 19 primary, as the UFL readies a late‑March start.