Trent Dilfer dismissed as UAB Football coach after three seasons; Alex Mortensen appointed interim head coach

Trent Dilfer, the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback, has been dismissed as head coach of UAB following a disappointing three-season stint. The decision was announced Sunday, October 12, by athletic director Mark Ingram in a statement posted on X. The Blazers have struggled this season, starting 2-4 and dropping three straight games, including a 53-33 loss to Florida Atlantic on Saturday, a defeat that reportedly became the breaking point.


Dilfer, who took over the program in 2023, posted a 9-21 overall record and went 5-14 in conference play during his tenure. Before joining UAB, the 53-year-old coached Lipscomb Academy, a private high school in Nashville, where he compiled a 44-10 record and went 26-1 over his final two seasons.

Why was Trent Dilfer fired?

Trent Dilfer was fired as head football coach at UAB after the team’s disappointing on-field performance failed to meet expectations. Announcing the decision, athletic director Mark Ingram said the program needed to “move forward in the best long-term interest of the program.”


Ingram acknowledged Dilfer’s hard work and professionalism during his tenure, saying, “I wish Coach Dilfer the best and thank him for his class, tireless work and commitment during his time at UAB. While his efforts did not translate into a winning record, each young man who played for him will be a better person as a result.”

Alex Mortensen named interim UAB head coach

Following Trent Dilfer's firing, UAB has named offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen as interim coach, as per the announcement. Mortensen is in his third season with the Blazers, having joined the team in 2023.

This season, Mortensen's offense ranks 58th nationally in total offense (406.5 yards per game) and is tied for 59th in scoring offense (29.5 points per game). The Blazers are 16th in passing offense, averaging 300 yards per game in the air.