UAB Fires Trent Dilfer as Head Coach After Disappointing Tenure

Birmingham, Alabama, October 13, 2025

News Summary

UAB has terminated Trent Dilfer as its head coach following a poor record of 9-21 during his tenure. Offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen has been appointed as the interim head coach. The decision was made by UAB’s Director of Athletics, Mark Ingram, who expressed the need for a change in direction for the football program. Dilfer’s coaching record included significant challenges, with no consecutive wins and a troubling road performance. UAB’s next game is against Memphis, amid speculation about potential replacement candidates.

Birmingham, Alabama – UAB has officially fired Trent Dilfer as its head coach after a disappointing tenure, confirmed by multiple sources. The university has named offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen as the interim head coach, with a press conference anticipated on Monday to address Dilfer’s dismissal. The decision was made by UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram, who explained that the team’s on-field performance did not meet the winning standards expected for the program.

Despite expressing gratitude for Dilfer’s efforts and recognizing his commitment and class throughout the struggles, Ingram outlined that the decision to part ways with Dilfer was in the best interests of the UAB football program moving forward.

During his two-and-a-half seasons at UAB, Dilfer held a record of 9-21. His first season (2023) saw the team finish with a 4-8 record, which was followed by a 3-9 record in 2024. So far in the current season, UAB holds a 2-4 record, characterized by a recent three-game losing streak. The team’s performance peaked during a loss on October 11, when they were defeated 53-33 by Florida Atlantic in what marked one of the significant downturns of Dilfer’s leadership.

This season, UAB’s only victories have come against Alabama State and Akron. A troubling aspect of Dilfer’s coaching record is that the team failed to win consecutive games. Furthermore, in Dilfer’s tenure, UAB lost 18 of the 21 games by double digits and was winless in road games, finishing 0-15, with eight of those road losses by margins of 20 points or more.

Before joining UAB, Dilfer had a successful stint coaching at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, where he recorded a 44-10 record from 2019 to 2022. This marked his first experience at the collegiate level. Prior to embarking on his coaching career, he enjoyed a robust 14-season NFL career, culminating in a Super Bowl victory with the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV. Dilfer was also named a Pro Bowler in 1997, amassing career stats of 20,518 passing yards, 113 touchdowns, and 129 interceptions.

Following Dilfer’s dismissal, it has been noted that his current buyout stands at $2,816,667. UAB is scheduled to play against Memphis on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT at Protective Stadium. With the coaching change, speculation around potential candidates to replace Dilfer has emerged, including former coach Bill Clark, the current Stallions coach, and others such as Gus Malzahn and Scott Cochran.

On the same day as Dilfer’s dismissal, UAB made headlines alongside the firings of James Franklin of Penn State and Trent Bray of Oregon State, highlighting a significant shift in college football coaching ranks.

Ingram’s statement clearly indicates that the decision to terminate Dilfer’s contract was made to steer the UAB football program toward a more promising future.

Key Statistics from Trent Dilfer’s Tenure at UAB

• Overall Record: 9-21
• First Season (2023): 4-8
• Second Season (2024): 3-9
• Current Season (2025): 2-4
• Recent Loss (Florida Atlantic): 53-33
• Road Game Record: 0-15
• Total Points Lost by: Double Digits – 18 of 21 games

FAQ Section

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Birmingham City Council Election Results Show Leadership Change
Birmingham City Council Election Results Show Leadership Change
Incumbent J.T. Moore Loses Birmingham City Council Seat
Alabama State Hornets Battle Alabama A&M Bulldogs
UAB Blazers Triumph Over Akron Zips in High-Scoring Matchup
Group of Five Football Coaches Face Pressure Ahead of Season
UAB Anticipates Record Freshman Enrollment
KPMG Grants $112,500 to Birmingham Promise for Education
UAB Welcomes Record-Breaking Freshman Class This Fall
Birmingham to Host UAB Blazers vs Alabama State Hornets Football Match

Additional Resources

• AL.com: UAB Fires Trent Dilfer
• Wikipedia: Trent Dilfer
• ESPN: UAB Fires Football Coach Trent Dilfer
• Google Search: UAB football
• Bham Now: UAB’s Next Head Coach Contenders
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Football

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.