College Football Head Coach Sparks Heated Backlash After Belittling His Own Program

It's rare to hear a college football head coach talk down about his own program, especially when speaking directly to the media. Pointing out flaws on the field is one thing, but belittling a program on the national stage is enough to draw some serious backlash from a fan base.

A similar situation is unfolding in front of our eyes ahead of the Week 6 slate, as UAB Blazers head coach Trent Dilfer is under fire for puzzling comments this week. This isn't the first time Dilfer has received criticism for his remarks.

Just last week Dilfer went viral for an interesting take on the UAB program compared to the Alabama Crimson Tide. After the Blazers' 41-18 loss to Navy, Dilfer ushered his grandson onto the press conference stage saying , "It’s not like this is freaking Alabama, lets go."

Dilfer made light of his Alabama comments when asked to clarify what he meant.

"I heard a little stirring (by the media members), and I said, 'There's two people here,'" he said . "This isn't freaking Alabama's press conference."

It seems the situation has only gotten worse for Dilfer since that press conference. UAB fans are outraged again following Dilfer's appearance on the Blazers' official podcast, "The Inferno Podcast," ahead of the matchup against Tulane on Saturday.

While talking about volleyball with UAB athletic director Mark Ingram, Dilfer resorted to a recruiting pitch for Louisville. His daughter, Tori Dilfer, plays for the Cardinals.

"Like if you want to play big time college volleyball go to Louisville," Dilfer said. "You’ll have the best experience ever there. They’re great people. They’re great coaches."

Ingram then interrupted Dilfer saying, "Or UAB."

Dilfer apologetically noted Ingram's comments before pointing out the difficulties recruiting against a major university as a Group of Five school.

"I’m sorry," he said. "You’re right. … I will say this, they’re pulling from different (recruiting) buckets, Mark."

Ingram doubled-down that UAB is also an option. "But we’d still really like to have them," he said.

"I really like our volleyball coaches," Dilfer responded.

UAB fans are not happy with Dilfer's belittling remarks and rightly so. Blazers fans are some of the most passionate in collegiate athletics. The UAB football program was shut down after the 2014 season for financial reasons. But after supporters pledged $17 million to cover the cost for the next five seasons, the program was reinstated. UAB won the program's first conference championship and bowl game shortly after in 2018.

"Get Trent Dilfer out of UAB before he completely destroys everything," a UAB fan wrote. "He's unbelievable! I'm glad they point out that he knows what he's saying and just doesn't care. Absolutely zero humility."

Dilfer played quarterback at Fresno State before going on to a 13-year career in the NFL. Dilfer took the helm at UAB in 2023, signing a five-year deal worth $1.3 million per year. This is his first coaching job at the collegiate level.

"Trent Dilfer is the highest paid UAB employee and in less than 3 days (this was recorded on Monday) he has been an advocate for Alabama football and now Louisville volleyball at the expense of our own programs," another fan responded . "This time disregarding the feedback of the AD, Mark Ingram."

Dilfer is 5-11 during his tenure in Birmingham, Alabama, including a 1-3 record to start the 2024 season. UAB will welcome Tulane (3-2) to Protective Stadium on Saturday for an AAC matchup. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET (ESPN+).

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