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Trent Dilfer Fired as UAB Head Coach After Third Consecutive Loss
UAB has parted ways with head coach Trent Dilfer, a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback, after a disappointing 2-4 start to the season. The decision came a day after the Blazers suffered their third straight loss, a 53-33 defeat at the hands of Florida Atlantic. Dilfer’s tenure at UAB was marked by a 9-21 record over two-plus seasons, failing to meet the program’s standards of winning.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has made the decision to fire its head coach, Trent Dilfer, following a dismal start to the 2025 college football season. The announcement came on Sunday, October 12, 2025, a day after the UAB Blazers lost their third consecutive game, falling 53-33 to Florida Atlantic. This move marks the end of Dilfer’s tenure at UAB, which began in November 2022. During his time as head coach, Dilfer posted a 9-21 record, a performance that did not meet the expectations of the UAB athletic department. Athletic Director Mark Ingram stated that the decision was made due to the team’s on-field performance not living up to the standard of winning that the program strives for.
Background and Decision
Trent Dilfer, a 53-year-old former NFL veteran and Super Bowl-winning quarterback, was hired by UAB in November 2022. His appointment was seen as unexpected, given his lack of college coaching experience. Dilfer’s coaching background consisted of a successful four-year stint at Lipscomb Academy, a private high school in Nashville, from 2019 to 2022. Despite his inexperience at the collegiate level, Dilfer was tasked with leading the UAB Blazers following the retirement of Bill Clark for health reasons.
The 2025 season has been particularly challenging for UAB, with the team’s only victories coming in narrow wins against FCS program Alabama State and Akron. The Blazers have struggled defensively, ranking last in scoring defense in the American Athletic Conference with an average of 41.3 points allowed per game. Additionally, UAB and Tulane are the most penalized teams in the league, averaging 8.5 penalties per game.
Key Highlights and Statistics
Some key highlights and statistics from Dilfer’s tenure at UAB include:
* A 9-21 overall record in two-plus seasons
* A 4-8 record in his first season (2023)
* A 3-9 record in the 2024 season
* Narrow wins against Alabama State and Akron in the 2025 season
* Last in scoring defense in the American Athletic Conference (41.3 points allowed per game)
* Most penalized team in the league, averaging 8.5 penalties per game
According to Athletic Director Mark Ingram, “We agree that — unfortunately — our on-field performance has not lived up to the standard of winning we have for the program.” Ingram also praised Dilfer for his class, tireless work, and commitment during his tenure at UAB, noting that each young man who played for him will be a better person as a result.
Future Directions
Following Dilfer’s departure, Alex Mortensen, the son of late NFL analyst Chris Mortensen, will serve as the interim head coach of the UAB Blazers. As the team moves forward, they will be looking to improve their performance and regain a competitive edge in the American Athletic Conference.
Reaction and Implications
The decision to fire Trent Dilfer has significant implications for the UAB football program. The team will need to regroup and refocus under the guidance of interim coach Alex Mortensen. The search for a permanent head coach will likely begin soon, with the athletic department seeking a candidate who can bring stability and success to the program.
In conclusion, the firing of Trent Dilfer as UAB’s head coach marks a significant turning point for the program. With a new interim coach in place and a search for a permanent replacement underway, the UAB Blazers will be looking to overcome their current challenges and achieve success in the American Athletic Conference.
Keywords: Trent Dilfer, UAB Blazers, College Football, American Athletic Conference, Mark Ingram, Alex Mortensen, Coaching Change, NFL Veteran, Super Bowl Winner
Hashtags: #UABBlazers #CollegeFootball #TrentDilfer #AmericanAthleticConference #CoachingChange #NFLVeteran #SuperBowlWinner #MarkIngram #AlexMortensen #SportsNews #FootballNews #CollegeSports #UABFootball
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