The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has dismissed head football coach Trent Dilfer, the school's athletic department announced on Sunday, October 13, 2025. The decision followed a 53-33 loss to Florida Atlantic, which dropped the Blazers' season record to 2-4.
Dilfer, a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback, was hired prior to the 2023 season but failed to produce a winning record during his time with the program. Assistant coach Alex Mortensen has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Key Takeaways
- Trent Dilfer has been fired as the head football coach of the UAB Blazers.
- The team's record stands at 2-4 for the 2025 season.
- The move came after a 20-point loss to Florida Atlantic.
- Alex Mortensen will serve as the interim head coach.
- Dilfer did not achieve a winning season in his nearly two seasons at UAB.
Details of the Coaching Change
UAB Athletics Director Mark Ingram confirmed the decision in a formal statement released Sunday. The statement pointed directly to the team's on-field results as the primary reason for the change in leadership.
Ingram explained that the program's performance had not met the university's expectations. He emphasized that the move was made with the long-term health and success of the football program in mind.
"We have made a decision to part ways with Head Football Coach Trent Dilfer. We agree that — unfortunately — our on-field performance has not lived up to the standard of winning we have for the program," Ingram stated. "This decision will allow us to move forward in the best long-term interest of the program."
Despite the professional separation, Ingram expressed gratitude for Dilfer's contributions and work ethic during his tenure. He acknowledged the former coach's positive influence on the student-athletes.
"I wish Coach Dilfer the best and thank him for his class, tireless work and commitment during his tenure at UAB," Ingram added. "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."
Performance Under Dilfer's Leadership
Trent Dilfer's time at UAB concludes without a single winning season. Hired to build on the program's previous successes, his teams struggled to find consistent footing. The 2-4 start to the 2025 campaign marked a continuation of these challenges.
The Final Game
The catalyst for the university's decision was the team's performance on Saturday against the Florida Atlantic Owls. UAB suffered a 53-33 defeat, allowing the Owls to secure just their third win of the season.
The defensive struggles in that game were significant, as the Blazers gave up over 50 points in a crucial conference matchup. This result appeared to be the final factor for the athletic department's leadership.
Dilfer's UAB Tenure by the Numbers
- Appointment Date: November 30, 2022 (for the 2023 season)
- Record in 2023: 4-8
- Record in 2025: 2-4 at time of dismissal
- Total Record: 6-12
- Winning Seasons: 0
Transition to Interim Leadership
With Dilfer's departure, UAB has turned to Alex Mortensen to guide the team through the rest of the 2025 season. Mortensen, who served on Dilfer's staff, will take on the role of interim head coach immediately.
The university has not announced plans for a permanent coaching search, but one is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The immediate focus is on stabilizing the team for its remaining games.
Background on Trent Dilfer
Before his role at UAB, Trent Dilfer was a well-known figure in football. He had a successful 13-year career as an NFL quarterback, playing for several teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers. His professional career peaked in the 2000 season when he led the Baltimore Ravens to a victory in Super Bowl XXXV.
After retiring from the NFL, he worked as a media analyst before transitioning to coaching. He gained significant attention for his success at the high school level, serving as the head coach for Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, from 2019 to 2022. There, he compiled an impressive 44-10 record and won two state championships, which positioned him as a candidate for a collegiate head coaching job.
Looking Ahead for the UAB Program
The UAB Blazers football program now faces a period of transition. The team must adapt to a new interim coach while the athletic department begins the process of identifying a long-term leader.
The decision to fire a coach mid-season indicates a strong desire from the university to change the program's trajectory quickly. The next hire will be critical for UAB as it seeks to re-establish the winning culture it has cultivated in recent years.
For the players, the focus will be on the remainder of the season under Mortensen's guidance. The team will look to regroup and compete in their upcoming conference games despite the significant change in leadership.