After a 9-21 stint with UAB that ended with his October firing, Trent Dilfer returns to Nashville to coach the high school team he led to two Division II-AA state titles in 2021-22.
Trent Dilfer Rehired As Lipscomb Academy Coach
On Thursday, the school announced it was rehiring the Super Bowl-winning quarterback and former ESPN analyst. The decision followed a period of decline after Dilfer’s departure, and the school now hopes to reclaim its former glory with his return. Lipscomb Academy posted an announcement on social media welcoming Dilfer back.
‼️Mustang Nation‼️
Please join us in welcoming back Trent Dilfer as the Head Coach of Mustang Football! Coach Dilfer was formerly the head coach from 2019-2022, winning two back-to-back State Championships in 2021 and 2022. Welcome, Coach Dilfer! 🔥💜🔥💜🔥💜 pic.twitter.com/o6e0LwA3Sv
— Lipscomb Academy Football (@LAmustangFB) January 8, 2026
In the statement, Dilfer said he realized that high school football was his true calling after his three-season college football stint with UAB ended prematurely.
Dilfer, who helped the Mustangs claim back-to-back state titles (2021 and 2022) and a runner-up finish, emphasized that his decision to come back was about more than winning championships.
“Our goal is to develop young men who are Set Apart – who compete with discipline; serve others; and model Christ in the classroom, in the community and on the field. It is truly a level where you can have a lasting impact on young student athletes,” he said.
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Dilfer, who will officially return to coaching Lipscomb Academy on Jan. 16, pointed out that his family in Nashville and the school’s mission motivated him to make his “forever move.”
“We’re putting down roots,” he said.
According to school head Brad Schultz, Dilfer was rehired as head coach due to his track record, personal growth, and goals for the program and student-athletes.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Coach Dilfer back,” Schultz said. “Trent is a man who knows and loves our community. Trent is a mentor who shares our commitment to Bible-based education. Trent is a coach who boasts a proven record of success at this school. And Trent is a leader who brings tremendous energy to our culture and pursuit of excellence.”
Since Dilfer left the school after the 2022 season, the Mustangs have struggled to find their footing, going 10-20 over the next three years and being barred from competing in the TSSAA football playoffs due to a recruiting violation.
Last season, Lipscomb Academy finished 3-7, scoring 233 points and allowing 260 points. The Mustangs went 3-2 in the Division II, Class AAA, West Region, defeating Christian Brothers, Father Ryan, and MUS. They lost to Briarcrest and West Region champion Brentwood Academy.
Dilfer, who was selected sixth overall by Tampa Bay in the 1994 NFL draft, played 14 seasons with the Buccaneers, Baltimore, Seattle, Cleveland, and San Francisco. He also worked as a coach for ESPN’s Elite 11 program, where he helped high school quarterbacks with their development.
