A bold experiment in college football hiring has come to a dramatic end, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the strategy behind it. Trent Dilfer, the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback turned coach, has been fired by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) after a tumultuous two-plus seasons marked by a disappointing 9-21 record. But here's where it gets controversial: was this a case of a legendary player simply not translating to coaching success, or did UAB set him up for failure with unrealistic expectations? Let’s dive in.
Dilfer’s tenure at UAB was short-lived, to say the least. Hired in November 2022 despite having no collegiate coaching experience, Dilfer’s appointment was seen as an outside-the-box move by the university. Prior to this role, he had coached at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville for four years, following a nine-year stint as an ESPN analyst that ended in 2017 due to mass layoffs. At 53, Dilfer inherited a team that had gone 7-6 in 2022, but his leadership resulted in a 4-8 record in his first season and a 3-9 record in 2024. This year, the Blazers managed wins against Alabama State and Akron but suffered blowout losses to Navy, Tennessee, Army, and most recently, Florida Atlantic, where they fell 53-33.
And this is the part most people miss: UAB’s defense has been a glaring weak point, allowing a staggering 41.3 points per game—the worst in the sport. This raises questions about whether Dilfer’s lack of collegiate coaching experience or the team’s overall structure was to blame. UAB athletics director Mark Ingram stated, ‘We have made a decision to part ways with Head Football Coach Trent Dilfer. Unfortunately, our on-field performance has not met the winning standard we strive for. This decision allows us to move forward in the best long-term interest of the program.’ Ingram also acknowledged Dilfer’s dedication, noting, ‘While his efforts did not translate into a winning record, each player who worked with him will be a better person as a result.’
Dilfer’s NFL career, however, was nothing short of impressive. A Fresno State standout, he played 14 seasons in the NFL (1994-2007) after being drafted sixth overall by the Buccaneers in 1994. His pinnacle moment came in 2000 when he led the Baltimore Ravens—renowned for their historic defense—to a 34-7 Super Bowl victory over the Giants. Yet, this success on the field didn’t seamlessly transition to the sidelines.
Now, UAB is turning to another figure with ESPN ties: Alex Mortensen, son of the late ESPN legend Chris Mortensen, has been promoted to interim head coach. Previously the offensive coordinator, Mortensen will lead the team for the remainder of the season. Ingram expressed confidence in this transition, stating, ‘I have asked Alex Mortensen to serve as interim head coach as we continue to support our student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence.’
Here’s the burning question: Was Dilfer’s firing inevitable, or did UAB pull the trigger too soon? Did his lack of collegiate experience doom him from the start, or could better support have turned the tide? And what does this mean for future hires of former players with limited coaching resumes? Share your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
