UAB parts ways with Trent Dilfer following poor performance as controversial choice proves unsuccessful

Trent Dilfer Fired as UAB Football Coach

Trent Dilfer’s tenure as the head coach of UAB’s football team lasted just over two seasons, ending on Sunday night when the university decided to part ways with him. His record was 9 wins and 21 losses.

Currently, the Blazers have struggled this season, sitting at 2-4 and facing three consecutive losses—32 points, 18 points, and 20 points in those games.

UAB Athletic Director Mark Ingram announced the firing, stating, “We have made the decision to part ways with head football coach Trent Dilfer. Unfortunately, we agree that our on-field performance has fallen short of our winning standards for the program. This decision allows us to move forward in the best long-term interest of our program.” He also expressed gratitude towards Dilfer for his efforts, saying that while the results weren’t as hoped, the players benefited from his leadership.

Interestingly, UAB took a risk by hiring Dilfer in November 2022, given his lack of college coaching experience. Before UAB, he had spent four years coaching at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, after a nine-year stint with ESPN following his NFL career.

At 53 years old, Dilfer took command of a team that had posted a 7-6 record in 2022. Under his leadership, UAB went 4-8 in his first year and then 3-9 in 2024. This season, the team managed to secure victories against Alabama State and Akron but suffered significant losses to Navy, Tennessee, Army, and most recently, Florida Atlantic, where they lost 53-33.

The Blazers are facing challenges, particularly on defense, as they’re allowing an average of 41.3 points per game, which is the highest in the nation.

Before transitioning to coaching and media roles, Dilfer had a noteworthy NFL career, highlighted by a Super Bowl victory. Drafted sixth overall by the Buccaneers in 1994, he played 14 seasons in the league.

His pinnacle achievement came with the 2000 Ravens, a team celebrated for its outstanding defense which led them to a Super Bowl triumph over the Giants.

Currently, UAB is moving in a new direction with interim coach Alex Mortensen—who has ties to ESPN and is the son of the late Chris Mortensen. Mortensen was previously the offensive coordinator and will lead the team for the remainder of the season, as stated by Ingram.