What's happened
UAB has fired head coach Trent Dilfer after a 2-4 start and three consecutive losses. The team, which has struggled with poor defense and a 9-21 record under Dilfer, will be led by interim coach Alex Mortensen for the remainder of the season. The move follows a series of heavy defeats and disappointing performance.
What's behind the headline?
The firing of Trent Dilfer highlights the high stakes of college football coaching, especially at programs like UAB that are seeking competitive success. Despite Dilfer's NFL credentials and a bold hiring choice, the team’s performance deteriorated, with a 9-21 record and a defense allowing over 41 points per game. The decision to replace him with Alex Mortensen, an ESPN alumnus and offensive coordinator, signals a shift toward stabilizing the program. This move underscores the importance of coaching experience and proven results in college football, especially when a team’s defense and overall performance fall below expectations. The heavy losses and lack of progress suggest that UAB’s leadership believes a change is necessary to improve future results and rebuild confidence in the program.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports that UAB fired Trent Dilfer after a 2-4 start and three straight heavy losses, citing poor performance and a defense allowing the most points in the sport. AP News confirms Dilfer's 9-21 record over 2.5 seasons and highlights the team's offensive struggles. Both sources note Dilfer's NFL background and lack of college coaching experience, emphasizing that his tenure did not meet the program's standards. The New York Post also mentions the promotion of Alex Mortensen, ESPN's former reporter and current offensive coordinator, as interim coach, indicating a focus on stabilizing the team with someone familiar with the program's needs. The coverage suggests a consensus that Dilfer's coaching did not translate into success, and the decision reflects a broader effort to improve the team's competitiveness.
How we got here
UAB hired Trent Dilfer in November 2022 despite no prior college coaching experience. His tenure saw a declining record, from 7-6 in 2022 to 4-8 in 2023 and 3-9 in 2024. The team has struggled offensively and defensively, with the defense allowing the most points in the sport this season. Dilfer, a Super Bowl-winning NFL quarterback, was brought in to revitalize the program, but results did not meet expectations, leading to his dismissal.
Go deeper
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Trent Farris Dilfer is a former American football quarterback and analyst who played in the National Football League for 14 seasons. He is best known as the starting quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens during their Super Bowl-winning season in 2000.
Dilfe
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Chris Mortensen is an American journalist providing reports for ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, and ESPN.com.