Former Auburn coach Gene Chizik to lead the Birmingham Stallions USFL football team this spring

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Jan 6, 2022

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WIAT) – This spring, a familiar face could return to Alabama to lead the Birmingham Stallions football team.

Former Auburn Tiger head coach Gene Chizik will be named head coach of the Stallions, one of eight teams that are part of the new United States Football League, which has been played out, according to a source. originally from 1982 to 1986 before being relaunched this year.

Chizik, a studio analyst for the SEC Network, coached the Tigers between 2009 and 2012, leading them to a national championship in 2010 with quarterback Cam Newton. After a 3-9 season in 2012, Chizik was fired. His last coaching position was at North Carolina State, where he served as defensive coordinator in 2015 and 2016.

However, Chizik took to Twitter on Thursday morning, where he maintained that nothing had been finalized.

Respond to a rumor this morning. I am honored that the new @USFL is interested in me for an HC position. We have had several discussions. Although this is a consideration, nothing has been finalized …#Facts

– Gene Chizik (@CoachGeneChizik) January 6, 2022

On Thursday, the USFL announced the coaches of four of its teams: Kevin Sumlin of the Houston Gamblers, Todd Haley of the Tampa Bay Bandits, Mike Riley of the New Jersey Generals and Bart Andrus of the Philadelphia Stars.

The season kicks off this spring at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, where the eight-team matches will be played. No list has yet been announced.