UAB Football Coach Trent Dilfer’s Future Up in the Air as 2024 Season Approaches
As we look ahead to the 2024 season, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) football team’s leadership could be changing. Coach Trent Dilfer, who is currently in the middle of his five-year contract, may need to start preparing for the possibility of a coaching change if the Blazers don’t see better results this coming year.
Financial Implications of a Potential Split
If UAB decides to part ways with Dilfer after the 2024 season, the financial stakes are notably high. The university would owe him approximately $3.6 million, which would be payable in monthly installments of $100,000 until his contract concludes on February 1, 2028. This financial obligation decreases significantly after specific points: to $2.4 million after the 2025 season and further down to $1.2 million after 2026.
It’s important to note that Dilfer’s current salary sits at $1.2 million per season, with no annual raises included. However, he is eligible for merit raises, which are assessed by UAB’s athletic director, Mark Ingram.
Background on Coach Trent Dilfer
Trent Dilfer joined the UAB Blazers in November 2022 after an interim stint by Bryant Vincent, who led the team to a 7-6 record. Before arriving at UAB, Dilfer had a stellar coaching career at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, where he racked up an impressive 44 wins to just 10 losses over four seasons, including back-to-back state championships.
Of course, Dilfer is known for more than just his coaching abilities; he is a former NFL quarterback who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000. With that kind of background, many expected great things when Dilfer took the reins at UAB.
Mixed Results on the Field
Thus far, the performance of the UAB football team under Dilfer has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. The Blazers finished the 2023 season with a record of 4-8, which included a 3-5 mark in the American Athletic Conference. Despite all the hope and excitement that came with his hiring, the Blazers are still searching for their footing in what is becoming a competitive landscape.
Challenges Ahead
Ingram mentioned during Dilfer’s introductory press conference that he wasn’t entirely sold at first about hiring a high school football coach. However, he chose to focus on Dilfer’s impressive background as a professional player and coach instead. “I’m hiring the No. 6 pick in the NFL draft,” Ingram reflected. “A guy who spent 14 years playing quarterback at the highest level.” He highlighted Dilfer’s extensive experience, which includes analytics, commentary, and more, making him a fascinating choice for the program.
A Program in Transition
The UAB football program has faced significant challenges over the past decade, including a termination of the program in 2014. So the stakes are high for Dilfer and the Blazers moving forward. The recent years have seen a tumultuous ride, but with football coming back strong after its reinstatement in 2017, the pressure is on for Dilfer to build on that foundation.
Looking Forward
As the new season approaches, UAB fans, players, and staff will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on how Dilfer’s leadership impacts the football program. With the future potentially on the line, the hope is that the Blazers can turn things around and deliver a much-improved season. For now, Dilfer will continue to work with the team and aim for success on the field, while also keeping an eye on the unique contract circumstances that could affect his future in Birmingham.
