What Happened to Raymond Anthony "A. J." McCarron Jr.?
AJ McCarron is an American former professional football quarterback who gained prominence leading the Alabama Crimson Tide to consecutive BCS National Championships. After several years as a backup in the NFL, he became a standout quarterback in the XFL and UFL. As of March 2026, McCarron has transitioned to coaching and is the head coach of the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL).
Quick Answer
AJ McCarron, after a successful college career at Alabama and stints in the NFL and spring football leagues, is currently the head coach of the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League (UFL). He was hired for this role in December 2025, following a brief and ultimately withdrawn candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama. McCarron is preparing to lead the Stallions into the 2026 UFL season, with their first game scheduled for March 27, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Mobile, Alabama
Raymond Anthony McCarron Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama.
First BCS National Championship with Alabama
As the starting quarterback, McCarron led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a BCS National Championship victory.
Second Consecutive BCS National Championship
McCarron became the first quarterback to win consecutive BCS National Championship Games, leading Alabama to another title.
Wins Maxwell and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Awards
McCarron received the Maxwell Award for the nation's most outstanding player and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award for the best senior quarterback, also finishing second in Heisman Trophy voting.
Drafted by Cincinnati Bengals
AJ McCarron was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round (164th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Makes First NFL Starts for Bengals
McCarron stepped in as the starting quarterback for the Bengals during a playoff push, leading the team to a 2-1 record in his three starts.
Traded to Oakland Raiders
McCarron was traded to the Oakland Raiders for a 2019 fifth-round draft pick, serving as a backup.
Signs with Houston Texans
After being released by the Raiders, McCarron signed a free agent deal with the Houston Texans to back up Deshaun Watson.
Last NFL Stint with Atlanta Falcons
McCarron's final NFL stop as a player was with the Atlanta Falcons, though he spent the season on injured reserve.
Stars for St. Louis Battlehawks (XFL)
McCarron joined the St. Louis Battlehawks and led the XFL in passing touchdowns (24), completion percentage (68.8%), and passer rating (108.4).
Plays for St. Louis Battlehawks (UFL)
McCarron continued as the starting quarterback for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the newly formed United Football League (UFL), leading them to a playoff berth.
Announces Candidacy for Alabama Lieutenant Governor
McCarron publicly announced his intention to run for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama in the 2026 election.
Withdraws from Political Race
McCarron withdrew his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor, stating he was pursuing a new opportunity in football that required his full attention.
Hired as Head Coach of Birmingham Stallions (UFL)
The Birmingham Stallions of the UFL announced McCarron as their new head coach, replacing Skip Holtz.
Prepares for First Game as Stallions Head Coach
McCarron is preparing to lead the Birmingham Stallions in his first game as head coach as the 2026 UFL season kicks off.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
AJ McCarron's football journey began with significant success at the University of Alabama, where he became the first quarterback to lead a team to consecutive BCS National Championship victories in 2012 and 2013. He also earned numerous accolades, including the Maxwell Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 2013, and finished second in Heisman Trophy voting that year.
Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, McCarron spent four seasons as a backup, notably stepping in during a playoff push in 2015. His NFL career continued with stints as a backup for the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, and Atlanta Falcons, appearing in a total of 17 games over seven seasons and throwing for 1,192 yards and 6 touchdowns.
After his NFL tenure, McCarron revitalized his playing career in spring football. He signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL in 2023, where he quickly became one of the league's premier quarterbacks. In the 2023 XFL season, he led the league in passing touchdowns (24), completion percentage (68.8%), and passer rating (108.4), setting single-game records for passing yards (420) and touchdowns (6). He continued to play for the Battlehawks in the UFL in 2024, leading them to a playoff berth.
In October 2025, McCarron announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama in the 2026 election, expressing a desire to bring a fresh voice to the statehouse. However, this political venture was short-lived. In December 2025, he withdrew from the race, citing a new opportunity in football that would require his full commitment. This new opportunity was soon revealed to be the head coaching position for the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL.
As of March 27, 2026, McCarron is preparing for his inaugural season as head coach of the Birmingham Stallions. The Stallions, a three-time champion team, are set to kick off their 2026 UFL season with McCarron at the helm, marking a significant transition from player to coach.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Raymond Anthony "A. J." McCarron Jr. made different choices?