UAB Coach Trent Dilfer Acknowledges Struggles, Vows Renewed Focus
Amidst disappointing early tenure, Dilfer seeks authentic leadership and rebuilding for Year 3.
UAB Blazers head coach Trent Dilfer faces immense pressure heading into his third season, openly admitting the team’s shortcomings during the American Conference media day. He expressed gratitude for retaining his position despite a challenging start.
Self-Reflection and Authentic Leadership
Following a dismal 3-9 record last season, which marked the second consecutive year missing the postseason, Dilfer embarked on a period of deep introspection. He revealed that he has had to re-evaluate his coaching philosophy and approach.
“Nobody’s more thankful than me that I even have a job,” Dilfer said. “After seven wins in two years, I’m incredibly grateful that we get an opportunity to try to fix this thing this year. It’s been incredibly disappointing.”
—Trent Dilfer, UAB Head Coach
Dilfer explained his realization that a common pitfall for unsuccessful leaders is attempting to be something they are not. His own wiring, he believes, is as a nurturer and positive individual, qualities he intends to lean into as he strives to be a better version of himself.
Addressing Past Performance and Future Outlook
In his tenure with UAB, Dilfer has compiled a 7-17 overall record, including a 6-11 conference standing. The Blazers finished eighth in the conference in 2023 and 11th in 2024. He described the difficulty in maintaining strength for his team and staff, using the acronym L.O.S.S. – learning opportunities, stay strong – emphasizing the latter as the most challenging aspect.
“There’s times I felt very weak. There’s times where you just don’t feel like you have the stuff that they need. I know a lot of coaches, we’re in an era when college coaches will seem strong, invincible, we celebrate ego and brashness and this and that. I’m the opposite. I’ve been broken.”
—Trent Dilfer, UAB Head Coach
Dilfer, a Super Bowl XXXV winning quarterback, acknowledged the necessity of embracing discomfort as he enters his third year. He contrasted his approach with the prevalent celebration of ego and perceived invincibility in college coaching, admitting to being “broken” by the challenges of the job.
Transforming the Roster for 2025
The UAB roster for the upcoming 2025 season features significant changes, with 48 new faces, including 30 transfers from the NCAA portal. Key returning starters include quarterback Jalen Kitna, offensive lineman JonDarius Morgan, and defensive back Sirad Bryant. The defensive staff also saw a shake-up, with former NFL assistant Steve Russ stepping in as defensive coordinator. Several staffers with NFL experience, such as linebackers coach Brent Vieselmeyer and defensive line coach Sam Mills III, have also joined the program.
UAB’s season opener is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, against Alabama State at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. The team is focused on maximizing its potential through hard work and resourcefulness.
In college football, a strong coaching presence can significantly impact program turnaround. For example, after a 5-7 season in 2022, Kansas saw a dramatic improvement to 9-4 in 2023 under head coach Lance Leipold, demonstrating the impact of effective leadership and roster management (ESPN 2023 Kansas Football Schedule).
Dilfer described the team’s current mindset as one of intense effort to extract every ounce of potential from players, coaches, and staff.
