Why AJ McCarron can succeed as UFL coach, in former coach's words
Anthony Becht coached AJ McCarron for two seasons with the Battlehawks. He believes the long-time NFL QB will be a good coach for the Stallions.
AJ McCarron is returning to the UFL in 2026. This time, it won't be as a quarterback. McCarron will be coaching the Birmingham Stallions for the 2026 UFL season.
He was hired during the offseason to replace Skip Holtz after the three-time spring-league champion stepped down from his post. McCarron's role with the Stallions will be his first-ever as a coach. The 35-year-old only finished his playing career in 2024 – his final season with the St.
Louis Battlehawks – but will be tasked with maintaining the consistent excellence Birmingham achieved under Holtz. While McCarron doesn't have coaching experience, his former coach with the Battlehawks – Anthony Becht – believes the Alabama product has the traits to quickly establish himself as a successful UFL coach. Why Anthony Becht believes AJ McCarron can succeed as UFL coach Becht – who now coaches one of the UFL's newly relocated teams, the Orlando Storm – praised McCarron during a recent interview with USA TODAY Sports.
The 48-year-old lauded McCarron's "championship pedigree" at Alabama and his nine NFL seasons as experience he can draw on as he adjusts to his new role. "He's a competitor. He's very smart," Becht told USA TODAY Sports of McCarron.