Former Senator Tommy Tuberville intends to run for the governorship of Alabama in the 2026 elections, according to associates who spoke with the Associated Press. Tuberville has held his senate seat since January 2021 after announcing his candidacy for re-election last November.

Before entering the world of politics, Tuberville, a native of Camden, Arkansas, had a long coaching career spanning 36 years. He was notably the head coach at Ole Miss from 1995 to 1998 and later at Auburn from 1999 to 2008.

During his time with the Tigers, he achieved an impressive record of 85 wins and 40 losses, securing five SEC West titles and one SEC championship. In 2004, Auburn boasted a flawless 13-0 record, culminating in a Sugar Bowl victory against Virginia Tech and a final AP Poll ranking of No. 3.

Following a 5-7 season in 2008, Tuberville stepped down from his role at Auburn, returning to coaching in 2010 with Texas Tech and later leading the Cincinnati Bearcats from 2013 to 2016.

In recent news, he is not the only former college coach contemplating a gubernatorial bid; Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has appointed former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel as his lieutenant governor. Tressel is also weighing a run for governor in Ohio after the exit of Attorney General Dave Yost from the race in May.