Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Alex Mortensen officially named UAB’s new head coach
Reading time: 2 minutes
After six weeks as interim coach, UAB is promoting Alex Mortensen to the permanent head coaching role of the Blazers.
Mortensen was promoted from offensive coordinator to interim coach after Trent Dilfer was fired in October, halfway through his third season in Birmingham.
Under Mortensen’s leadership, the Blazers won two of its final six games including a win over No. 22 Memphis. UAB finished the 2025 season with a 4-8 record, its third consecutive losing season.
“I love Birmingham, UAB and this team, and I look forward to building a successful program that represents our university and fans well. 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.”
Alex Mortensen
Keep reading to learn more about Mortensen’s background.
Alex Mortensen
During his time at UAB, Mortensen served as the offensive coordinator. In his three seasons, the Blazers averaged 27.5 points 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. His vision for UAB Football is clear: to succeed in the American and bring winning football back to Birmingham. Coach Mortensen already has one of the biggest, most exciting wins in program history under his belt, and his road win to finish the season provides important momentum.”
Mark Ingram, UAB Athletics Director
Mortensen is the son of the late Hall of Fame football reporter Chris Mortensen. He played college ball at Arkansas and Samford before going to the NFL for one season.
As a coach, Mortensen started at the Division II level in New Mexico before making the jump to the St. Louis Rams staff in 2013.
His connection to the state runs deep, as he served on Alabama’s staff under Nick Saban from 2014-22. Mortensen also made a stop in the XFL as the wide receivers coach for the Birmingham Iron.
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