UAB removes interim tag, names Alex Mortensen as football coach

Alex Mortensen was named head football coach at UAB on Friday.

Mortensen, 40, had been the Blazers' offensive coordinator since 2022 before being named interim head coach for the final six games of the 2025 season.

He replaced Trent Dilfer, who was fired after a 2-4 start to the season and a 9-21 overall record.

Mortensen also led the Blazers to a 2-4 mark. One of those victories was a 31-24 upset win over No. 22 Memphis in his debut on Oct. 18.

Before joining UAB, Mortensen worked on the staff of Nick Saban in Alabama for nine years.

"I love Birmingham, UAB and this team, and I look forward to building a successful program that represents our university and fans well," Mortensen said Friday. "I want to thank the administration for the opportunity and for committing to providing additional institutional support to increase our competitiveness. I am grateful for the confidence being placed in me, and we will make the most of it."

During Mortensen's tenure as offensive coordinator, the Blazers averaged 415.6 yards per game.

"Coach Mortensen is a true rising star in college football who has been immersed in winning at the highest levels, and I am excited to see what he will accomplish leading our program," athletic director Mark Ingram said. "His vision for UAB Football is clear: to succeed in the American and bring winning football back to Birmingham."

Mortensen led the Blazers to a 31-24 season-ending win last Saturday against Tulsa. It snapped a 17-game losing streak on the road.

UAB played that game while missing more than 40 players. After a stabbing incident involving three members of the team, players were given the option to sit out.

Mortensen is the son of the late Chris Mortensen, a longtime football reporter for ESPN.

--Field Level Media