UAB has parted ways with head football coach Trent Dilfer, the university announced Sunday evening.
In a statement released by UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram, the university cited a need to “move forward in the best long-term interest of the program” after on-field performance “did not live up to the standard of winning we have for the program.”
“We have made a decision to part ways with Head Football Coach Trent Dilfer,” Ingram said in the statement. “I have asked Alex Mortensen to serve as interim head coach to lead the team for the remainder of the season as we continue as a department and university to provide the support our student-athletes need to compete.”
Ingram thanked Dilfer for his “class, tireless work and commitment during his tenure at UAB,” adding that while his efforts did not translate into a winning record, “each young man who played for him will be a better person as a result.”
Dilfer, a former Super Bowl-winning NFL quarterback, was hired in late 2022 and compiled a 9-21 record over two seasons. Offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen will lead the Blazers on an interim basis.
Ingram confirmed that offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025 season.
At a recent UAB Football press conference, Mortensen thanked both Dilfer and the university’s administration for their confidence.
“I want to thank Coach Dilfer for giving me this opportunity to be here as the offensive coordinator,” Mortensen said. “He cared about our players a lot — very genuine, poured a lot into them, cared about our staff. He’s a good coach, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him. Secondly, I want to thank Mark Ingram for expressing confidence in me and our administration to do this for the remainder of the season. It’s obviously not the circumstances with which I would want this to happen, but I am certainly grateful.”
Following the announcement, Dilfer shared a message on Instagram thanking UAB and the Birmingham community:
“I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity I was given at UAB and the incredible people I was able to come in contact with during my time there,” he wrote. “Birmingham is an awesome city and my wife and I have been overwhelmed with the love we have felt from this city. As a competitor, it crushes me that we were not able to reach our standard of winning on the field… I am truly thankful for every battle we were able to fight on and off the field.”
As the university and fans bid farewell to Dilfer, the last six games in the season will determine how the program carries its momentum into the future.
