UAB Fires Coach Trent Dilfer, Alex Mortensen Named Interim

Birmingham, Alabama — UAB has terminated head coach Trent Dilfer midway through his third season, the school announced on Sunday. Dilfer’s dismissal follows a challenging tenure marked by a 9-21 overall record, including a 2-4 start this season after a loss against Florida Atlantic.

The decision to part ways with Dilfer comes after considerable disappointment among fans and poor performances on the field. Notably, Dilfer failed to secure a single victory in 15 road games, highlighting a significant area of concern during his time at the helm.

Alex Mortensen, the offensive coordinator and son of late NFL analyst Chris Mortensen, will step in as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram expressed hope for the program’s future, emphasizing the need for a coach with college experience and a track record of success.

“We want to find people that have had success in college football,” Ingram stated. “Coaches who have experience navigating transfer rules and managing players have become necessary in today’s landscape.”

Dilfer’s prior coaching experience was limited to high school, where he achieved notable success at Lipscomb Academy, producing a 44-10 record before joining UAB. However, his transition to college football proved challenging, as UAB struggled with significant losses and inadequate defensive performances, ranking near the bottom nationally.

Ingram’s comment on the decision to replace Dilfer reflects the urgency for UAB to regain competitive footing, particularly following a promising period under former coach Bill Clark. Clark’s teams secured multiple winning seasons, and fans now await news of potential candidates to replace Dilfer long-term.

Potential candidates include former UAB coaches and successful figures like Bryant Vincent, former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron, and Western Kentucky’s Tyson Helton, among others. As Mortensen prepares for his debut on Saturday, UAB looks to redefine its future amid the uncertainty following Dilfer’s exit.