The Birmingham Stallions, led by Head Coach Curtis Johnson, are gearing up for the UFL 2025 season with a focus on building off past successes while embracing new challenges. The team, which has clinched the inaugural UFL championship in 2024 and consecutive USFL championships in 2022 and 2023, is not resting on its laurels. That’s why Johnson is especially thrilled to have Coach Wilkins come aboard to his staff. Wilkins, who opened last year by starting two games in tight end H-backs, is highly regarded for his tremendous skills as a pedagogue and performance teacher. Meanwhile, Skip Holtz, a pivotal figure in Birmingham’s triumphs, has conveyed a clear message to his players: the franchise’s past victories do not guarantee future success.
Returning to the Stallions is McGough, who spent the last two seasons in various stints on the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad. His ability to play both the quarterback and the wide receiver positions makes him even more exciting given the depth of the Commanders roster. The team’s immediate focus will be on the upcoming game against DC, as emphasized by Holtz, who notes that every opponent will be eager to challenge Birmingham’s winning reputation.
Coaches and Players Prepare for New Challenges
Having made the leap from player to coach, Coach Wilkins provides his own unique perspective to the team. His philosophy puts education before coaching. As Alex McGough puts it, “He’s a teacher first, then he’s a coach. This is something that’s important to Head Coach Curtis Johnson. It fits beautifully with the team’s overall plan to stimulate both technical development and game IQ.
The return of McGough to the Stallions is the biggest return statement the Stallions have received and it isn’t even close. Reflecting on the opportunity to compete at this level, McGough remarked, “Not a lot of people get to say that they have a target on them. I think that’s a privilege. We got by on hard work and winning and sustained success, so I think we’ll be ready for it. We accept all challenges.”
Holtz has been upfront about how past championships don’t count for this year’s team. “When do we play the Stallions?” In the ’70s it was, ‘When are we gonna play the Cowboys, the Steelers or the Dolphins? Championship teams roll in the notice. But to remain on top, you need to be pursuing excellence at a very high level. And you’re going to get everybody’s best shot,” he laid out.
New Season Brings New Opportunities
As the baseball season draws near, players such as Martinez and Perez are readying themselves for key positions. Last season, Martinez really showed what a dual-threat QB could do. He threw for 1,748 yards and 15 TDs, while rushing for 528 yards and three scores. Perez was unmatched around the league with a leading passing yardage, touchdown total, passer rating, and completions. He quickly became a key piece for the Stallions.
Perez put a strong point on looking forward and not resting on past accomplishments. Coming into this year when we had our initial meeting, it was, ‘OK guys, last year’s done and over with, flip the page, get ready to go. We made some missteps along the way. This year, we need to right those wrongs and focus on getting that 1-0 each week,” he explained.
In the end, the Stallions know that if they want to stay in championship form, it’s going to take even more work and evolution. McGough knows they’ll need to be prepared for unexpected challenges. If so, the team couldn’t ask for a better start than with a home opener against DC.
Experienced Leadership Guides Path Forward
This leadership across the coaching staff is a key piece of Birmingham’s overall plan for finding success this season. Cable is currently the run game coordinator and offensive line coach for the Houston Roughnecks. He would bring significant expertise gained during his long and impressive 16-year run as an NFL head coach or offensive line coach. Now living an active retirement in Idaho after more than 30 years as a coach, Cable enjoys the work-life balance that part-time non-profit work allows him. “It’s a perfect setting. I’m fortunate to have a job where I coach football for four months and I’m free the rest of the year. And then I take time off in between.” I love that first, third and then second equation! I get to have that time to spend with my family,” he admitted.
Holtz’s vast experience and strategic savvy have proven invaluable to the Stallions. He has been a key factor in their past successes and is committed to ensuring that the team’s legacy does not overshadow their focus on this season’s objectives.
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