The United Football League (UFL) announced Wednesday that former Alabama and NFL quarterback A.J. McCarron will serve as head coach of the newest franchise when it begins play at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in 2027.
McCarron, 36, comes to the franchise after serving as head coach of the Birmingham Stallions during the 2026 season. Birmingham’s 2026 roster will also move to Pawtucket with McCarron, giving the new team an established group of players heading into its first season.
Before moving into coaching, McCarron made his name as a quarterback at the University of Alabama, where he was part of three national championship teams. He also won the Maxwell Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award during his college career.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected McCarron in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent eight seasons in the NFL, including time with the Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons.
McCarron later returned to spring football with the St. Louis Battlehawks before transitioning into coaching.
The team’s name, colors, logo and full identity are expected to be unveiled during a public event on October 18 at Centreville Bank Stadium.
The franchise is scheduled to make its home debut on April 2, 2027, bringing professional spring football back to Rhode Island.
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