- 1995
- 1996
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Barracudas Team Formation
Insurance tycoon, former high school football coach, and motivational speaker Art Williams was awarded a CFL expansion franchise in Birmingham. He wanted a nickname for the team that would “scare the spit out of people,” and chose Barracudas. The Barracudas hired an experienced head coach in Jack Pardee, who had coached at the college level with the University of Houston and at the ... -
Barracudas Shut Down
Owner Art Williams estimated that he had spent $10 million to launch the Barracudas, and had probably lost at least that, if not more, during the season. He also began criticizing the Canadian Football League, and its unique concept. Along with other U.S. owners, Williams wanted several changes made: Reducing the size of a CFL field to American football standards. Allowing ...
History of the Barracudas
The Birmingham Barracudas were a professional Canadian Football League (CFL) team based in Birmingham, Alabama, that played for two seasons from 1995 to 1996. The Barracudas were one of the three expansion teams added to the CFL in 1994 and became part of the league's effort to expand its presence into American markets. Despite their short existence, local fans supported the team well and managed some success on the field.
The Barracudas had a solid inaugural season in 1995 with an 8–10 record, thanks mainly to solid play from quarterback Matt Dunigan who threw for over 4,000 yards during his time with Birmingham. However, it wasn't enough despite Dunigan’s impressive numbers, as they missed out on playoffs due to tiebreaker losses against Toronto and Hamilton Tiger-Cats at 10–8 records each, respectively.
In 1996 things took a turn for the worse when head coach Jack Pardee resigned just five games into the season, citing personal reasons, which meant new coach Rick Campbell had little time left before the post-season began but still managed 6 wins compared 3 losses under his tenure though ultimately missing out again on playoffs after losing final game against Baltimore Stallions 24–21 leaving them at 7th place overall within East Division standings with 9 wins total that year ending up their brief history within CFL altogether afterward until present day date making them forgotten franchise amongst football fanatics yet still remembered fondly here locally around the city itself where the bar is named after former mascot “Barracuda Joe” serving tribute ever since then honoring legacy behind this once proud organization all these years later!
Established
1995
City
Birmingham
League History
1995 / Canadian Football League
Team History
1995 / Birmingham Barracudas
Nickname
Barracudas - The Birmingham Barracudas of the Canadian Football League have a unique nickname many fans may not know the origin of. The name was chosen to represent the city’s rich history, culture, and connection with water.
Birmingham is located in central Alabama, near several rivers and lakes, including Lake Purdy, Turkey Creek Lake, Village Creek Reservoir, and more. It has long been associated with aquatic life - mainly barracuda fish native to these waters! This made them an ideal mascot for this football team based in Birmingham.
The Barracudas first appeared on uniforms during their inaugural season in 1995 when they joined what was then known as the CFL South Division (now part of American Football). Since then, they've become one of the most recognizable teams throughout Canada thanks to their iconic logo featuring a fierce-looking barracuda swimming against a blue background representing both water and sky! It's also worth noting that while other teams may change their logos over time, this one has remained unchanged since its inception 25 years ago - making it timeless!
This nickname captures local pride and serves an essential purpose: reminding players why they play football each week – because there’s nothing like playing under your flag or banner for your hometown crowd! So next time you cheer on your favorite team, remember where those colors come from – right here at home in Birmingham, Alabama, USA!!
Championship
Grey Cup 0
Stadium
1995 / Legion Field
Owner
1995 / Art Williams
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history
