This offseason for the United Football League (UFL) has been nothing short of bizarre. Over the past month, we’ve learned that Bob Stoops has retired, while two USFL Conference Coaches were dismissed. Now, in another unfortunate twist, Skip Holtz will not be returning as Head Coach of the Birmingham Stallions.
BREAKING: Skip Holtz will not be returning to coach the Birmingham Stallions in 2026.
Holtz, who won three USFL & UFL Championships in Birmingham, steps away in what is a potentially devastating move for the @UFLStallions.
Wild times in the #UFL. pic.twitter.com/kNaCbb3bXv
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) December 16, 2025
The UFL confirmed the news with an announcement today. It’s a devastating piece of news, not just for the Stallions organization as a whole, but their fanbase as well – one that rallied behind their beloved coach of the last four years.
Skip Holtz is a Birmingham icon. He embraced the USFL back in 2022, during the inaugural season, making Birmingham into a home during that legendary first run to the Championship. Under Holtz’ leadership, the Birmingham Stallions won three Championships, alongside four playoff appearances.
This man is also called “The Spring King” for a reason. Skip Holtz is the greatest spring football coach we have seen, and may ever see, when it comes to winning. No one has won more games across four years than the Birmingham Stallions, with a 33-7 record. They’re 6-1 in the playoffs as well, with their lone loss coming at the hands of the Michigan Panthers this past June.
Developing players for the NFL was another area that Holtz excelled in. Two of his quarterbacks (Alex McGough, Adrian Martinez) won league MVP honors, which resulted in NFL opportunities. The Stallions have sent dozens of athletes to the NFL over the years, some of which have stuck around and made a legitimate difference for their respective teams (i.e. Brandon Aubrey, Dondrea Tillman).
Skip Holtz was named USFL Coach of the Year in 2023, and has been a nominee for the award in the UFL for two straight seasons.
“It’s been a true blessing… This is the best job I’ve ever had. I love these young men that we are coaching.” 🐎❤️
See also
Skip Holtz reflects on winning 3-straight championships with the @USFLStallions 🏆🏆🏆
(brought to you by @Gatorade, the official hydration partner of the UFL) pic.twitter.com/ctfhD2iZZK
— United Football League (@TheUFL) June 17, 2024
Statement From Skip Holtz
“Coaching the Stallions has been one of the great honors of my career. I’m grateful for the players, staff, the city of Birmingham, and our passionate fans who helped create such a special and winning culture. What we accomplished together is something I’ll always treasure.
I am not retiring. This is simply the right moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead. I’m excited about the next steps in my journey and energized by new possibilities. I look forward to seeing where this path leads.”
Final Thoughts
It remains unclear as to who his replacement will be in Birmingham. A name that comes to mind is Defensive Coordinator Corey Chamblin, who’s spent a few years with the Stallions. Corey is also a Birmingham native, with ties to the area.
That said, with the direction this league is going in under Mike Repole – shaking things up from top to bottom – it’s hard to say with any clarity who might land that job.
What are your thoughts on Skip Holtz no longer being a part of the UFL? Who should take his job with the Birmingham Stallions? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
