UAB hires Trent Dilfer as next head football coach
UAB announced on Wednesday afternoon the hiring of former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer as the Blazers’ new head coach. Dilfer played professionally for 14 seasons before embarking on a broadcasting career, but for the last three years he has been the head football coach at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville.
“Trent is a proven winner on and off the field at all levels and will be a tremendous leader for our program,” AD Mark Ingram said in the release. “He is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback who played the game at its highest level for many years, and he has coached some of the top quarterbacks who are currently NFL franchise players. Trent’s goals and vision for our program is to lead UAB to the College Football Playoff and we have no doubt that he is the right coach to lead our transition in the American Athletic Conference. Most importantly, Trent is an outstanding man, husband and father with tremendous character who fits our department’s core values of winning championships, graduating with honors and making a difference in our community.”
Dilfer played for five different NFL teams, with his longest tenures being with the 49ers (1994-99) and Seahawks (2001-04). His most memorable season, however, was perhaps 2000 when he took over as the Baltimore Ravens’ starter mid-season and ended up leading the team to victory in Super Bowl XXXV
“Having the opportunity to lead such a quality program like UAB is one that I am beyond excited about,” Dilfer said. “The investments the university has made for UAB Football aligns with my vision of taking this program to new heights as we join the American Athletic Conference and compete annually for the highest prize of playing in the College Football Playoff. I would like to thank President Ray Watts, Director of Athletics Mark Ingram and the entire search committee for their commitment to excellence and for trusting in me as we venture into this new era of UAB Football together.”
He takes over for Bryant Vincent, who was 6-6 (4-4) as the interim head coach in 2022 following the retirement of Bill Clark. This is the first collegiate coaching job of any kind for Dilfer, who played at Fresno State for two seasons (1992-93).
The Blazers will play in the Bahamas Bowl on December 16 against Miami (OH). The program will move to the AAC in 2023 after 28 years in Conference USA.
credit to UAB Athletics for the image
