Birmingham, AL, October 20, 2025

News Summary

UAB Football has officially terminated head coach Trent Dilfer after a poor season record of 2-4, culminating in a 53-33 loss to Florida Atlantic. Dilfer, who had a 9-21 overall record during his less than two-year tenure, struggled to improve the program, marked by an alarming road record of 0-15. Offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen has been named interim head coach, tasked with reviving the team’s prospects in future games, starting with an upcoming match against Memphis.

Birmingham, AL

UAB Football has officially parted ways with head coach Trent Dilfer following a 53-33 loss to Florida Atlantic on Sunday, leaving the team with a disappointing 2-4 record for the season. Dilfer’s tenure as head coach lasted less than two years, concluding with an overall record of 9-21.

Among the highlights of Dilfer’s short-lived leadership were his media presence due to his background as a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback. However, the Blazers were unable to capitalize on that notoriety, as they struggled on the field, failing to win consecutive games and suffering a number of significant defeats, with 18 losses by double digits. UAB’s road performance was particularly alarming, finishing with an 0-15 record during Dilfer’s tenure.

The UAB football program had previously been a consistent bowl participant before Dilfer’s arrival, creating heightened expectations for his leadership. Dilfer, who was hired in December 2022, arrived at UAB directly after coaching at Lipscomb Academy in high school, thus entering the FBS coaching landscape without any prior head coaching experience.

In response to the coaching change, UAB has named offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen as the interim head coach. Mortensen, who is the son of Chris Mortensen, a former long-time ESPN NFL reporter who passed away in March 2024, has significant coaching experience, with notable time spent at Alabama as a graduate assistant and offensive analyst. His contributions to the Tide included involvement in securing three national championships.

During his time as offensive coordinator, Mortensen’s unit achieved a program-record average of 450 yards per game in 2022, although the Blazers ended that season with a 3-9 record. His efforts earned him a nomination for the Broyles Award, which recognizes the top assistant coach in college football.

UAB is scheduled to host Memphis on Saturday, October 18, 2024, at 3 p.m. CT in Protective Stadium. In a move that reflects local support for the football program, the Birmingham City Council has approved a $200,000 allocation aimed at enhancing UAB football’s visibility and promoting game attendance, which includes free tickets for residents.

Key Facts about Trent Dilfer’s Tenure at UAB

• Firing Date: One day after the 53-33 loss to Florida Atlantic
• Overall Record: 9-21
• Season Record: 2-4
• Road Record: 0-15
• Previous Coaching Record: 44-10 at Lipscomb Academy
• Interim Head Coach: Alex Mortensen
• Upcoming Game: vs. Memphis on October 18, 2024

Background of UAB Football

The UAB football program was once a stable force in college football, frequently participating in bowl games. The expectations for success heightened with the acquisition of Trent Dilfer, given his accolades as a professional athlete. However, the failing season record and poor performances ultimately led to his dismissal. The new interim head coach, Alex Mortensen, has the opportunity to revitalize the team and restore its former competitive spirit.

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Additional Resources

• USA Today: UAB Football Parts Ways with Trent Dilfer
• Commercial Appeal: Memphis vs. UAB Live Updates
• UAB Sports: UAB Football Falls to Army
• AL.com: UAB Fires Trent Dilfer
• WVTM 13: Birmingham Approves Purchase of UAB Football Tickets
• Wikipedia: UAB Blazers Football
• Google Search: UAB Football
• Google Scholar: UAB Football Coaching History
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
• Google News: UAB 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.