UAB hires Alabama analyst Alex Mortensen as offensive coordinator

Newly hired UAB head coach Trent Dilfer has made another acquisition to his coaching staff, and this is coming from the tutelage of one of the most prestigious college head coaches. According to recent reports, Dilfer is hiring Alabama Crimson Tide football analyst Alex Mortensen to be the Blazers’ new offensive coordinator.

The new UAB coordinator is also the son of NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. Alex, now 37, has been with Alabama since 2014. Mortensen has served as the passing game coordinator at New Mexico Highlands, a division two school, from 2012- 2013. He also spent one season in the NFL as a coaching assistant for the Saint Louis Rams and had a brief stint as the receivers coach for the AAF’s (Alliance of American Football) Brimingham Iron.

On Friday, it was aslo revealed that Ohio State offensive assistant Reilly Jeffers is expected to become the new tight end coach for the Blazers. Jeffers is a former Florida Atlantic staffer where he worked with the offensive line while being enrolled in the FAU NBA Sports Management Program.

Dilfer and his expectations at UAB

In four seasons with Lipscomb Academy, Dilfer has gone 38-8, with two consecutive state championship games. The Mustangs will have the opportunity to win another title on Thursday, going up against Christ Presbyterian Academy. Three championships in three years would be impressive for Dilfer.

He would be taking over a UAB program for Bryant Vincent, who has become a favorite of the players. In fact, a letter was sent by the football team to President Ryan Watts, supporting the interim tag being taken off Vincent.

Before Vincent, Bill Clark was in charge and was the long-time head coach. He was originally hired for the 2014 season before UAB shut down the football program. Clark was there in the resurrection in 2017 and went to four bowl games in six seasons.