UAB’s athletic director explains why Trent Dilfer will remain head football coach despite back-to-back losing seasons
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Although the UAB Blazers have won only seven games over the past two years, Trent Dilfer will continue as head coach of the football team, UAB’s Director of Athletics Mark Ingram confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.
Dilfer, who won Super Bowl XXXV as the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens in 2001, has struggled to meet expectations since becoming UAB’s head coach in 2022, with a 7-17 record over two seasons.
However, Ingram explained that the university would continue to support Dilfer moving forward.
“The last two seasons have been disappointing, but Coach Dilfer has learned a lot and has a plan for the future,” Ingram said. “NIL and the transfer portal have made this one of the most difficult times in college football history. But I’ve witnessed Coach Dilfer’s dedication and believe his football IQ, commitment to UAB, passion for the game, love for student-athletes, and relentless work ethic will pay off soon. For these reasons, Coach Dilfer will remain our head coach for the 2025 season.”
After a successful stint leading Lipscomb Academy in Tennessee with a 44-10 record from 2019 to 2022, Dilfer took over the UAB football program in November 2022, despite lacking prior college coaching experience.
The 2023 season began poorly for the Blazers, who were 1-4, but they rallied with victories against South Florida, Florida Atlantic, and Temple, ending the season with a 4-8 record. UAB’s 2024 season opened with a win, but they then lost six straight games before a win over Tulsa in November. The Blazers finished the season with a 3-9 record, capping it with a home win against Rice but a loss to Charlotte. Under Dilfer, UAB has not won a road game in two seasons.
Ingram acknowledged that the team has not met UAB’s standards, but praised Dilfer’s “tireless work ethic” and outlined his faith in the coach’s future plans. He emphasized that Dilfer’s dedication, football intelligence, passion, and relentless work ethic will eventually lead to success.
Despite keeping Dilfer, Ingram noted that the athletics department would implement “operational and staff changes,” as well as invest more in the program.
In a statement accompanying Ingram’s, Dilfer expressed his commitment to improving the team and acknowledged that UAB fans deserve better results. He stated that he has gained a clearer understanding of what needs to be done to make the program successful again.
“Our fans deserve better than the win-loss record we’ve given them, but I have worked extremely hard and learned a lot,” Dilfer said. “I am confident in the clearer picture I now have regarding what it will take to win. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to improve, and I have a plan to get our program where it needs to be.”
Dilfer thanked Ingram for his support and noted the significant investments and support the program is receiving from the university.
UAB football began competing at the FBS level in 1996, but the program was discontinued after the 2014 season. It was revived in time for the 2017 season under head coach Bill Clark, who led the Blazers to a 49-26 record and Conference USA championships in 2018 and 2020.
Bryant Vincent briefly served as interim head coach in 2022, leading the team to seven wins, including a Bahamas Bowl victory.
Ingram’s full statement is as follows:
“Blazer fans,
“Our last two football seasons have not met UAB’s standard of excellence, and nobody — especially Coach Dilfer and myself — thinks that’s acceptable. However, in his short time as a Blazer, Coach Dilfer has shown a tireless work ethic — both on and off the field — to make a positive impact at UAB and on the Birmingham community.
“While the last two seasons have been disappointing, Coach Dilfer has learned a great deal and has a clear plan for the future. The challenges presented by NIL and the transfer portal make this a particularly difficult time in college football. I have seen Coach Dilfer’s dedication firsthand, and I am confident that his football IQ, commitment to UAB, passion for the game, love for student-athletes, and relentless work ethic will lead to success. For these reasons, Coach Dilfer will continue to be our head coach for the 2025 season.
“His efforts to support our players academically have already resulted in significant improvements in the team’s Academic Progress Rate, and I look forward to seeing those efforts translate into wins on the field, which is our shared goal. This is our collective focus, and we have the full support of our university leadership, System Office, and Board of Trustees. Our institutional support is among the strongest in The American, and we will continue to invest more to enhance our competitiveness.
“The most important thing now is for Coach Dilfer to execute his plan and address what needs to be done moving forward. We will make operational and staff changes, as well as further investments. I support Coach Dilfer and the team, and I will do everything in my power to help them compete for bowl eligibility and championships in The American and beyond.
“Thank you for your continued support of UAB Athletics. Your involvement is crucial to our success.
“Go Blazers!”
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