It would be surprising if UAB does not dismiss Trent Dilfer after the 2024 college football season wraps up in just two weeks. In fact, he could very well be on his way out as soon as Sunday morning.
The Blazers recorded one of the lowest attendance figures in their program’s history during Saturday’s game, even compared to their time in Division III back in 1991.
UAB hired Dilfer to take over for Bryant Vincent in December 2022, despite his limited coaching experience, which included just three years at a small private high school in Nashville.
Many players were outraged by the decision and attempted to change it, as did a significant portion of the fanbase who wanted Vincent retained. Vincent had guided the team to a 7-6 season and a bowl victory as the interim head coach, but the administration chose to go with Dilfer anyway.
The frustration among UAB fans with Trent Dilfer is palpable. As expected, the unconventional hiring has not produced results. In contrast, Louisiana-Monroe is just one win away from bowl eligibility in Vincent’s first season as head coach, while UAB was mathematically eliminated from bowl competition in early November with a 2-7 record, having even lost to Dilfer’s predecessor!
Moreover, the losses have been lopsided. The Blazers finished their first ten games with a dismal 2-8 record and a combined score of 386-247, with a lone positive being a 59-21 victory over Tulsa that inflated their statistics.
Although fans in Birmingham were initially skeptical about the hire, they gave Dilfer a chance to prove himself. However, his support has quickly dwindled. In early October, attendance was embarrassingly low following an awkward interaction with him during the week leading up to a game.
On Saturday, the turnout was virtually nonexistent; aside from family members attending Senior Day, the crowd was minimal.
Protective Stadium, which has a capacity of 41,700, was over 80% empty—though that figure might be conservative. It resembled a ghost town.
If that doesn’t make it clear to athletic director Mark Ingram, nothing will. Not only has Dilfer failed to produce results, but he’s also lost support. Fans are not eager to watch the subpar performance he brings to the field each week. They would prefer to go to a bar and watch other FBS teams on TV rather than spend money to see a struggling UAB team try to win another game. It’s time for the head coach to be replaced.
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