Jim Hilyer, the father of UAB football, passed away at age 86 on Wednesday. In his years coaching at the university, Hilyer guided the Blazers from a club team to a NCAA Division I program. 

Hilyer coached UAB football for its first four seasons from 1991 to 1994, amassing a 27-12-2 record.  

Prior to his tenure at UAB, Hilyer served as an assistant at the college level at Mississippi State and Auburn as well as at the professional level for the NFL’s Washington Football Team and the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions.  

After his stint with the Stallions, Hilyer joined the staff at UAB in 1985 as an assistant professor in the School of Medicine. He became the first coach of UAB’s club football in 1989.  

UAB officials attested to Hilyer’s importance to the university in light of his passing. 

“Coach Hilyer has meant so much to so many of our players, fans and alumni. The impact that he made will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” said UAB athletic director Mark Ingram in a Tweet.   

Tuscaloosa Mayor and former UAB football player Walt Maddox expressed his admiration on Twitter of Hilyer both on and off the field. 

“Thank you for the difference you made in my life and so many others,” said Maddox. “Even more importantly, you showed us how to succeed with a simple formula of hard work and respect for all — always.” 

For his contributions to UAB athletics, Hilyer was inducted into the UAB Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.