In a move that has the sports world buzzing, UAB just pulled off one of the most shocking upsets of the college football season, and it’s all thanks to a bold coaching change that no one saw coming. Just six days after firing former Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer, the team handed the reins to Alex Mortensen, son of the legendary NFL reporter Chris Mortensen. And here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Mortensen, in his very first game as interim head coach, led UAB to a jaw-dropping 31-24 victory over the previously undefeated No. 22 Memphis—a team they were expected to lose to by a staggering 24 points. But this isn’t just about the win; it’s about the dramatic shift in leadership that made it possible.
Dilfer’s tenure at UAB was, to put it mildly, underwhelming. With no prior college coaching experience beyond high school, his teams often appeared disorganized and unprepared, culminating in a dismal 9-21 record over two and a half seasons. Was UAB right to let him go? It’s a question that’s sure to spark debate among fans. But Mortensen’s immediate success suggests the decision might have been long overdue.
At just 39 years old, Mortensen had never held a head coaching position before. He’d been UAB’s offensive coordinator since 2023, but his ability to step into the spotlight and deliver such a monumental upset speaks volumes about his leadership and preparation. And this is the part most people miss: Mortensen didn’t just win—he proved that sometimes, a fresh perspective can completely transform a team’s trajectory.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Did UAB make the right call by replacing Dilfer with Mortensen, or was it simply a matter of timing and luck? While Mortensen’s debut was nothing short of spectacular, it’s worth noting that Dilfer’s lack of experience at the collegiate level was a glaring issue from the start. Yet, some might argue that firing him mid-season was a risky move. What do you think? Was this upset a testament to Mortensen’s potential, or just a fluke? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
