Alex Mortensen was named head football coach at UAB on Dec. 5, 2025, after serving as the program’s offensive coordinator since December 2022 and interim head coach during the 2025 season. In his first game as interim head coach, he led the Blazers to an upset victory over No. 22 Memphis, showcasing the offensive firepower that has defined his tenure in Birmingham. Over his first three seasons as offensive coordinator, UAB averaged 415.6 yards of total offense per game and set multiple school records, including a single-season mark of 450.0 yards per game. Mortensen was recognized nationally as a Broyles Award nominee, honoring the top assistant coach in college football.
Under Mortensen’s guidance, quarterback Jacob Zeno authored one of the most prolific seasons in program history, setting school records in completions and completion percentage while ranking among the nation’s leaders in several passing categories. His offenses have also featured standout performances from Jermaine Brown Jr., Amare Thomas, Jalen Kitna, Kam Shanks, and Lee Beebe Jr. Prior to UAB, Mortensen spent nine seasons at Alabama as a graduate assistant and offensive analyst, contributing to three national championships while working closely with elite quarterbacks, including Bryce Young, Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones. A former Arkansas quarterback, Mortensen holds degrees from Arkansas and Alabama and is the son of the late ESPN journalist Chris Mortensen.
