Trent Dilfer’s tenure with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is coming to an end. The former Super Bowl-winning quarterback has been dismissed from his role as the head coach of the Blazers after a tumultuous two-plus seasons, according to the school’s official announcement. This decision follows a series of struggles that never quite led to sustained success on the field.
Under Dilfer’s leadership, the Blazers recorded a disappointing 9-21 overall record, finishing with just three wins this season. The team’s struggles were compounded by a dismal stretch of 15 consecutive losses on the road and a defensive unit that ranked among the worst in the American Athletic Conference, allowing an alarming average of over 41 points per game. Their two victories in 2023 came against Alabama State and Akron, neither of which were viewed as indicators of positive change within the program.
Mark Ingram, the athletic director, acknowledged the challenges in a public statement, saying, “We agree that unfortunately our on-field performance has not lived up to the standard of winning we have for the program. I wish Coach Dilfer the best and thank him for his class, tireless work, and commitment during his tenure at UAB.” Ingram also emphasized that, despite the team’s lackluster performance, Dilfer had a positive impact on his players’ personal development.
Dilfer, who took the reins at UAB after a successful stint at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, where he had amassed a 44-10 record and secured two state championships, was envisioned as a transformative leader for the Blazers. Unfortunately, that potential did not materialize on the collegiate level.
Having enjoyed a celebrated 14-year career in the NFL—including a Super Bowl victory with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000—Dilfer may now pivot back to television broadcasting, where he has previously served as an analyst for ESPN. In the interim, coaching duties will be assumed by Alex Mortensen, son of the late ESPN insider Chris Mortensen.
