AJ McCarron is officially returning for a second season as a head coach in the United Football League, taking the reins of a brand new franchise in Rhode Island. This isn’t just a new gig though; it’s a full-on relocation of the Birmingham Stallions, and McCarron is sticking with the franchise as they pack their bags for the 2027 season.
Rhode Island Gets a UFL Team, McCarron Sticks Through the Move
The move marks a fresh start for the franchise, but it’s continuity at the top. McCarron previously coached the Stallions for their final year in Birmingham during the 2026 season. Under his leadership, the Stallions finished that season with a 4-6 record. Despite that less than stellar debut, McCarron, who was hired as the Stallions’ head coach back in December 2025, is clearly the guy the organization wants leading the charge into their new home in Rhode Island. It’s a bold vote of confidence to keep a coach on board through a team relocation, especially after a losing record.
From Alabama Legend to NFL Backup to UFL Head Coach
For those who followed college football, McCarron’s name is huge. He was a starting quarterback for five seasons at Alabama from 2009 to 2013, leading the Crimson Tide for three of those years (2011-13). During that time, he snagged two national titles in 2011 and 2012. The dude still holds Alabama’s career passing yard record with a staggering 9,019 yards, and his 77 career touchdowns rank third in school history. After college, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted him in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft. He spent four seasons there and logged 19 career NFL games across nine seasons, with stops in Oakland, Houston, and Atlanta. He even returned to spring football as a player, starting quarterback for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL/UFL during the 2023 and 2024 seasons before transitioning back to the sidelines.
So, the UFL is getting a new team in Rhode Island for 2027, and McCarron is their guy. Can he turn things around from that 4-6 record in a new city? All eyes will be on what this new era brings for McCarron and the relocated squad.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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