In a move that has electrified Tuscaloosa and stirred deep nostalgia among Alabama fans, head coach Kalen DeBoer has officially brought A.J. McCarron back to the program — this time, on the sidelines. The former Crimson Tide quarterback and two-time national champion will now serve as quarterbacks coach, guiding the next generation of signal-callers in the iconic crimson and white.
McCarron’s return to Bryant-Denny Stadium marks a powerful reunion between past glory and future promise. Known for his leadership, poise, and precision under center, McCarron helped usher in one of the most dominant eras in Alabama football history. Between 2011 and 2013, he led the Tide to two BCS National Championships and left as the school’s all-time winningest quarterback.
Now, he steps into a new role under Coach DeBoer, tasked with developing young talents and bringing his wealth of on-field experience to the quarterback room. DeBoer praised McCarron’s “competitive fire, football IQ, and deep understanding of Alabama’s championship culture” as key reasons behind the hire.
The timing is crucial. With Alabama entering a new era under DeBoer and the departure of long-time head coach Nick Saban, bringing back a fan-favorite figure helps maintain continuity and tradition. It also offers incoming and current quarterbacks a mentor who truly understands the pressures — and expectations — of playing the position in Tuscaloosa.
McCarron, who played in both the NFL and XFL after his college career, has expressed excitement about giving back to the program that shaped him. “This place means everything to me,” he said. “I’m here to win, to teach, and to make Alabama proud.”
The Tide’s future just got a lot brighter — and more familiar.
