UAB announces Trent Dilfer will stay as Blazer's head football coach

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —

UAB athletic director Mark Ingram has announced that they will stick with Trent Dilfer as the head coach of the football program.

Ingram released this statement to the Blazer fans:

Blazer fans,

Our last two football seasons have not met UAB’s standard of excellence in the least, and nobody — especially Coach Dilfer and myself — thinks that’s ok. However, in his short time as a Blazer, Coach Dilfer has demonstrated a tireless work ethic — both on and off the field — to make a positive impact at UAB and on the Birmingham community.

The last two seasons have been disappointing, but Coach Dilfer has learned a great deal and has a plan for the future. NIL and the transfer portal make this perhaps the most challenging time in college football history. But I have seen Coach Dilfer’s dedication and believe that his football IQ, commitment to UAB, passion for the game, love for student athletes and relentless work ethic will pay off in the near future. For those reasons, Coach Dilfer will continue to be our head coach in 2025.

His efforts to support our players academically have already paid off in notable increases in the team’s Academic Progress Rate, and I look forward to seeing his continued efforts turn into wins on the field — which is what we are all working to achieve. This is our collective focus, and we have the strong support of our university leadership, System Office and Board of Trustees. Our institutional support is among the highest of the public institutions in The American, and we will continue to make additional investments to increase competitiveness.

The most important thing right now is for Coach Dilfer to focus on his plan and address what needs to be done moving forward. We will make operational and staff changes, as well as additional investments. I support Coach Dilfer and the team, and I will do everything I can to help them compete for bowl eligibility and championships in The American and beyond.

Thank you for all you do to support UAB Athletics. Your continued support is essential to our success.

Go Blazers!

Mark Ingram

Director of Athletics

University of Alabama at Birmingham

In addition, Trent Dilfer released this statement:

Our fans deserve better than the win-loss record we’ve given them the last two years, but I have worked extremely hard and learned a lot, and I am confident in the clearer picture I have regarding what needs to happen for UAB Football to win. I am committed to doing what it takes to win. We need to do some things differently, and I have a plan to get our program where it needs to be. I have talked extensively with AD Ingram and appreciate his support of UAB Football. I also appreciate the significant investments and support our program receives from the institution, as well as commitments our leadership has made to increasing support.