Bama Central

Former Alabama Analyst Named UAB Interim Coach: Roll Call

Your daily briefing on what's going on with Alabama Athletics, including full TV listings.
Theodore Fernandez|
Sep 20, 2025; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; UAB Blazers head coach Trent Dilfer during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2025; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; UAB Blazers head coach Trent Dilfer during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images | Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

After firing Trent Dilfer following Saturday's loss to Florida Atlantic, UAB football has named offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen as interim head coach. Mortensen previously served on Alabama's staff as an analyst

Mortensen has been UAB's offensive coordinator since 2023, Dilfer's first season. He has very strong ties to the state of Alabama, having played quarterback at Samford before working as a graduate assistant with the Crimson Tide from 2014 through 2016. Mortensen then joined as an analyst, staying on the staff until 2018, when he left to be the receivers coach for the Birmingham Iron of the ill-fated Alliance of American Football. Mortensen rejoined Alabama in the same role following the league's collapse and stayed with the Crimson Tide until the Blazers hired him in 2023.

UAB is 2-4 on the season, with the only wins coming against FCS Alabama State and MAC bottom-feeder Akron. Mortensen is being thrown directly into the fire with his first game coming against No. 22 Memphis at home.

Monday's Crimson Tide Schedule:

Men's tennis: at ITA Fall Regional Championships, Tuscaloosa, Ala., All Day

Women's tennis: at ITA Southern Regional Championships, Auburn, Ala., All Day

Women's golf: at Dale McNamara Invitational, Broken Arrow, Okla., All Day

Saturday and Sunday's Crimson Tide Results:

Football: Alabama 27, Missouri 24

Softball (exhibition): Mississippi State 4, Alabama 0

Softball (exhibition): Alabama 17, Memphis 1

Volleyball: Texas 3, Alabama 1

Did You Notice?

  • Bryce Young led the Panthers on a game-winning drive to defeat the Cowboys 30-27. Young threw for 199 yards and three touchdowns as the Panthers rose to 3-3.

Josh Jacobs had his second straight two-touchdown performance, rushing for 93 yards and two scores in the Packers' 27-18 win over the Bengals. Jacobs was reportedly sick with flu-like symptoms heading into the game.

  • Mark Sears hit a game-tying three for the Bucks in their 127-121 win over the Bulls. Sears has drawn praise from teammates and coaches as he fights for a roster spot.

On This Date in Crimson Tide History:

October 13, 2012: Coming off a bye, rested running backs Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon both had 100-yard rushing days and combined to score five touchdowns as Alabama beat Missouri 42-10 in a rain-filled, lightning-delayed game. The Crimson Tide outgained the home team 533-129, with the Tigers finishing with just 3 rushing yards. It was the first SEC meeting between the schools and first between head coaches who were former Kent State teammates, Nick Saban and Gary Pinkel.

Crimson Tide Quote of the Day:

"That is maybe the best team I have ever seen"
Gary Pinkel on Alabama's 2012 team

We'll Leave You with This:

Published
Theodore Fernandez
THEODORE FERNANDEZ

Theodore Fernandez is an intern with Alabama Crimson Tide On SI/BamaCentral and combined with his time with The Crimson White and WVUA 23 News has covered every Alabama sport across He also works as the play-by-play broadcaster for Alabama’s ACHA hockey team and has interned for Fox Sports.

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