Former San Antonio Brahmas offensive coordinator AJ Smith broke his silence in a comprehensive interview on Matty Fresh TV, providing the first detailed account of his abrupt departure from the team in week three of the 2025 UFL season.
The interview, which can be found below, offers unprecedented behind-the-scenes insights into organizational dysfunction, personnel decisions, and the power struggle that led to Smith’s exit from a team that had won the XFL Conference Championship just months earlier.
On the Real Reason Behind His Departure
Smith addressed head-on the speculation surrounding his sudden exit, providing context that had been missing from previous reports.
“I’ll confirm reports I’ve read that said I had no say in personnel, had no say who was starting, was told to change the offense in training camp, was told not to motion anymore because I was motioning receivers into the ground, was told to rotate the receivers more because Jontre Kirklin wasn’t deserving, was told we need to be run first and incorporate tight ends in the run game. All these things are true.”
Strange that Smith’s offensive system was being dismantled despite the team’s previous success. The constraints placed on Smith directly contradicted the “air raid” offense that had led the Brahmas to an XFL Conference Championship win and spot in the UFL Championship game.
On Wade Phillips’ Health and the Power Vacuum
Smith revealed details about head coach Wade Phillips’ health situation and how it created an opportunity for others to seize control of the team.
“Everyone knows Wade Phillips was battling illness. I don’t think people really knew to the extent that in training camp, he was probably only at one practice coaching on the field. That’s how bad it was. The first day we got there and he mentioned he was sick and didn’t know if he was going to be able to finish the season, people started scheming. People started plotting behind closed doors and how they’re going to take over because there was no plan in place.”
Yikes, this would have made for some great TV during the season.
On the Failed AJ McCarron Recruitment
Smith disclosed extensive planning that occurred with former NFL and St Louis Battlehawks quarterback AJ McCarron, including detailed offensive installations that never materialized.
“Me and AJ were talking right after the Championship game. Even one point in October, we got on the phone for an hour, an hour, and created the whole playbook that we’re going to run this year. He’s like, Hey, in the protections, I want to be able to call it. I’m like, It’s cool. We’re going to four down to the wheel. Then I’m going to be able to switch it to the mic. I want my Dover concept. We can do it under center pistol. Said, That’s great.”
This revelation shows how close the Brahmas came to landing a proven veteran quarterback who understood Smith’s system. The detailed planning between Smith and McCarron demonstrates the level of preparation that was ultimately wasted when organizational interference prevented the signing and went with Kellen Mond who was ineffective this season. The Brahmas finished the season with the worst record in the league only winning one game.
On the Quarterback Decision-Making Process
Smith criticized the organization’s approach to quarterback personnel, particularly the decision not to retain successful quarterbacks from the championship season.
“The person in charge who make those decisions told many people he thought both quarterbacks thought they were better than what they were, and he was going to bring in a young quarterback, and he was going to show him up and show him that this young quarterback was going to be better. To do that when you just made the playoffs, and we were the only team in the stallions to beat all other seven teams.”
The decision to completely overhaul the quarterback room after a championship season demonstrates questionable personnel management. Smith’s comments reveal how ego and power dynamics influenced football decisions that should have been based on performance and continuity. Again, see above.
On His Track Record in Spring Football
Smith defended his coaching credentials by citing his consistent success across multiple spring football leagues and teams.
“Roughnecks, five and 0. The Spring League, Four and Two. Hal Mummy was six and one. We go on to the XFL. We’re seven and three. June Jones is seven and three. We’re seven and three last year, win the XFL Championship to win an eighth game. I promise you, with that blueprint and putting AJ behind the wheels, the 2025 Brahma’s are not one and nine.”
The “air raid” offense brought household UFL names like P.J Walker and Ben Dinucci to Spring Football. This style of offense is perfect for the UFL. Exciting and high scoring brings in the fans
The interview provides UFL fans with exclusive insights into organizational dysfunction that derailed a championship team. Smith’s account reveals how power struggles, health issues, and poor personnel decisions contributed to the Brahmas’ dramatic decline from champions to one of the league’s worst teams.
The detailed revelations about missed opportunities with AJ McCarron and the systematic dismantling of a successful offensive system offer fans a behind-the-scenes look at how quickly things can change in professional sports.
The full interview is available on the Matty Fresh TV.
