UAB officially hires Trent Dilfer as head coach

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

The UAB Blazers have officially hired Trent Dilfer as their new head coach. He replaces interim head coach Bryant Vincent.

Vincent guided the Blazers to a 6-6 record this season. He will have one last game with the team on Friday, December 16th against the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks in the Bahamas Bowl.

Dilfer will officially take over the program on Friday, December 2nd.

“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.”

Dilfer has one game left at Lipscomb Academy. He coaches his team on Thursday morning in the State Championship game at 11 am local time.

At the high school level, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback went 43-10 in four seasons at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. In the past two seasons; however, the team has gone 25-1.

“Trent is a proven winner on and off the field at all levels and will be a tremendous leader for our program,” Ingram said. “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.”