UAB’s search for its next head coach and its first full-time manager after Bill Clark and the program’s revival less than a decade ago appears to have found its focus.
Multiple sources have told FootballScoop in the last 24 hours that the Blazers’ search has shifted and the focus now appears to be on former NFL Super Bowl winner Trent Dilfer, who is becoming a Nashville private school Lipscomb Academy third place in a row TSSAA Division II Class AA State Championship.
Dilfer’s Mustangs program, which has numerous Football Bowls Subdivision-tied players and has been transformed under Dilfer’s guidance into a national branded prep powerhouse with appearances on ESPN, among others, is playing for a second straight state crown Thursday in Chattanooga, Tenn .
According to sources familiar with the process, UAB officials are expected to approach Dilfer with a formal offer to coach the Blazers program, and these sources said Blazer executives are “optimistic” that Dilfer will accept what would be his first-ever college position as head coach.
Sources in the high school ranks of Tennessee Football and other collegiate coaches said Dilfer has been working to keep the Mustangs’ chance to repeat themselves as state champions at Finley Stadium, home of the Chattanooga Mocs, in focus .
After starring at Fresno State college, Dilfer launched a 14-year NFL career that began with the Tampa Bay Bucs, where he received a Pro Bowl nod in 1997 and later a Super in 2000 with the Baltimore Ravens Bowl won. Dilfer first drew undecided recognition for his work in a “coaching” role, deepening his exposure to the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp, in addition to national television responsibilities at ESPN, among others.
UAB Athletics Director Mark Ingram, who has worked on high-performing athletics programs at the University of Georgia, Missouri and Tennessee and Temple and has maintained a close relationship with Matt Rhule over the years, has conducted what several coaches have described as “extremely deep.” are looking to replace Clark, who retired abruptly in late June due to ill health and then named Bryant Vincent as the Blazers’ interim coach.
Vincent pushed hard to get the job on a full-time basis this season as he led UAB to a 6-6 run and helped the program secure a berth in next month’s Bahamas Bowl against Miami (OH).
The players have expressed their strong support for Vincent and sent a letter to UAB President Dr. Ray Watts, who was posted to Twitter on Tuesday.