UAB Football Coach Trent Dilfer Set to Continue Through 2025

News Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has decided to keep head football coach Trent Dilfer for the 2025 season despite recent disappointing performances. Athletic Director Mark Ingram expressed his belief in Dilfer’s vision for the team’s future and emphasized the need for stability as UAB navigates challenges in college football, including NIL policies and recruitment issues. Dilfer has a current record of 7-17, prompting concerns among fans regarding team performance and motivation. Changes in program operations and staff are anticipated to improve the situation moving forward.

Birmingham, AL — The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has announced that head football coach Trent Dilfer will remain with the program for the 2025 season despite suffering through two consecutive losing seasons. This decision was confirmed by Athletic Director Mark Ingram, who expressed confidence in Dilfer’s vision for the team’s future and the need for stability moving forward.

UAB’s football team concluded the recent season with a disappointing 3-9 record, an outcome that followed a 4-8 performance in Dilfer’s first year at the helm. Overall, Dilfer’s coaching record stands at 7-17, which includes only five wins in the American Athletic Conference. The 2023 campaign was particularly challenging, with notable losses such as a 71-20 defeat against Tulane and a 53-18 loss to Memphis.

Ingram characterized Dilfer’s past two seasons as disappointing but emphasized the difficulties encountered due to changing dynamics in college football, particularly regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and the transfer portal. He suggested that these factors have impacted recruitment and team performance significantly and acknowledged the need for the program to adapt to the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.

Despite the team’s struggles, Ingram firmly believes in Dilfer’s football intelligence, commitment to players, and overall dedication to UAB. He noted that operational and staff changes will be implemented alongside increased investment in the program to bolster its performance and return to a winning tradition. The challenges UAB faces are representative of broader trends seen in mid-tier college football programs that navigate competitive and financial constraints.

Fans and stakeholders affiliated with the UAB football program have expressed disappointment regarding the team’s trajectory under Dilfer’s leadership, citing concerns about the students’ motivation and the coaching approach during games. This dissatisfaction has grown particularly acute after repeated underwhelming performances, with some UAB teams reportedly lacking engagement during critical matchups. The most recent loss to South Florida, a team that has had its own struggles, further underscored ongoing challenges that Dilfer’s squad must confront.

Trent Dilfer, who gained fame as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Baltimore Ravens, transitioned into coaching after a successful stint at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. His transition from high school coaching to leading a collegiate program at UAB represented a significant career shift, and expectations were high given the program’s previous success.

Prior to Dilfer’s tenure, UAB enjoyed a successful run that included six consecutive bowl appearances, which contributed to a thriving football culture on campus. The program previously overcame a shutdown in 2014 and a successful revival, further intensifying the expectations placed on Dilfer to restore the team’s competitive edge following a decade of robust performance.

As UAB football navigates its current challenges, key changes are anticipated that may impact the overall operation and future direction of the team. While overcoming these hurdles could take time, both the athletic director and Dilfer expressed a shared commitment to cultivating a winning environment that could once again elevate UAB football in the competitive college landscape.

The results of these efforts will be closely monitored, as both fans and players look for signs of improvement and communication within the program moving into this next season and beyond.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Teen Shot in Botched Gun Sale in Birmingham
Jayden Skelton Commits to UAB
Birmingham City in Talks to Re-sign Demarai Gray
Birmingham Stallions Achieve Historic Comeback Victory
Birmingham to Host Major Fundraiser Event Featuring Notable Speaker
Birmingham Faces Financial Challenges in College Football
John Carroll High School Breaks Ground on Stadium Upgrades
Alabama Football Generates Over $125 Million in 2022-23
UAB Retains Coach Trent Dilfer for Upcoming Season
Exciting Times in Fayetteville: UAB Stars Take Official Visits to Join Razorbacks

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!