After a 53-33 loss to Florida Atlantic, which dropped UAB football to 2-4 on the season, the university decided to fire head coach Trent Dilfer. Following the decision, the university named offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen its interim head coach.
That name may look familiar to some. Mortensen is the son of the late, longtime ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen. After the late insider’s son pulled off a huge upset victory today, emotional tributes poured in from the College Football and NFL worlds.
Tributes Pour in for Alex And Chris Mortensen After First Win As UAB Head Coach
The former UAB offensive coordinator and interim head coach pulled off a huge upset victory today. Today, the Tigers came in undefeated and ranked 20th overall. Meanwhile, Mortensen and the Blazers were 1-3, 3-4 following today’s victory.
“Interim coach Alex Mortensen credits former coach Trent Dilfer for building the team at UAB after upsetting Memphis. Reminds me of his dad.” One reporter shared the following after the victory. The Blazers went 4-8 in Dilfer’s first season in 2023 and 3-9 in 2024.
Interim coach Alex Mortensen credits former coach Trent Dilfer for building the team at UAB after upsetting Memphis. Reminds me of his dad.
— Andrew Perloff (@andrewperloff) October 18, 2025
“The biggest day of Alex Mortensen’s professional life was when he had every right to boast, but instead he gave credit to the man who was just fired.” One fan pointed out.
The biggest day of Alex Mortensen’s professional life when he had every right to boast, but instead he gives credit to the man who was just fired.
— Skye Underwood (@SkyeUnderwood) October 18, 2025
Despite Difler’s unfortunate stint at UAB, he was extremely respected in the program, which is proven by the comments from the current interim head coach. Athletic Director Mark Ingram also shared a similar message after making the decision to fire Difler.
“We agree that — unfortunately — our on-field performance has not lived up to the standard of winning we have for the program. While his efforts did not translate into a winning record, each young man who played for him will be a better person as a result.”
Following the interim head coach’s comments and his upset victory today, tributes began to pour in for his late father. Mortensen, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer in January 2016, passed away in March 2024.
“What an incredible story! Congrats to Alex Mortensen on his first win, and a beautiful tribute to the great Chris Mortensen. He’d be so proud.” One fan posted underneath a post from ESPN insider Adam Schefter, who was a close friend of the interim coach’s father.
What an incredible story! Congrats to Alex Mortensen on his first win, and a beautiful tribute to the great Chris Mortensen. He’d be so proud.
— Neer (@neeridresi) October 18, 2025
“This would have been a day the great Chris Mortensen would have loved. His son, Alex, makes his head coaching debut at 4 pm ET, when he leads UAB against No. 22-ranked Memphis. The game is, fittingly, on ESPN2.” Schefter tweeted before the game.
This would have been a day the great Chris Mortensen would have loved. His son, Alex, makes his head coaching debut at 4 pm ET, when he leads UAB against No. 22-ranked Memphis. The game is, fittingly, on ESPN2. pic.twitter.com/hgkuGBT0nq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 18, 2025
“No doubt Alex Mortensen does look like his late father. I’m sure his father gave him a lot of advice on how to deal with the sport. A lot of people who worked with Chris through ESPN are delighted with this memorable moment for UAB.” Another fan wrote.
No doubt Alex Mortensen does look like his late father. I’m sure his father gave him a lot of advice on how to deal with the sport. A lot of people who worked with Chris Mortensen through ESPN are delighted with this memorable moment for UAB.
— Johnny Thornton (@JT92reporter) October 18, 2025
Fittingly, the game turned out to be an absolute thriller. In an extremely narrow affair, UAB ultimately got away with the victory. This came after Memphis reached the 1-yard line on two different occasions in the final minute before failing to score on fourth and goal.
UAB is rated C with an impact score of 75.8 by PFSN’s College Offense Impact (OFFi). It’s time to see the team grade better in the coming seasons.
“Really happy for Alex Mortensen, his dad would be extremely proud right now.” Another fan posted directly after the final snap of the game.
Really happy for Alex Mortensen, his dad would be extremely proud right now. #MEMvsUABpic.twitter.com/gCmIh7KqI1
— HIMothée Havewemet (@TeeJayLew) October 18, 2025
After UAB found new life against Memphis, they will look to continue their form into next week against UConn. While UConn is currently 5-2 on the year, it will be another great opportunity for the Blazers to pick up another win to continue their momentum.
