Mortensen, at 40 years of age, stepped up as the Blazers’ interim coach midway through the tumultuous 2025 season, taking over after the dismissal of Trent Dilfer. His debut captured attention when UAB stunned then-No. 22 Memphis, a highlight in an otherwise challenging tenure, which saw the Blazers record a 2-4 mark under his leadership, concluding the season at 4-8.
Notably, Mortensen comes from a sports legacy. He is the son of notable ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen, who sadly passed away in 2023.
His path in football began at the collegiate level, starting at Arkansas in 2004 before transferring to Samford at the FCS level. He returned to the Razorbacks in 2008 to complete his playing career. Mortensen embarked on his coaching journey in 2012, quickly rising through the ranks as a graduate assistant and analyst at Alabama. Dilfer recognized his potential and appointed him as the Blazers’ offensive coordinator at the end of the 2022 season. Under his guidance, since 2023, UAB has ranked third in the American Conference for passing yards per game with a notable 272 and sixth in total yards per game at 415.6.
However, the road ahead is daunting. The Blazers have compiled a 11-25 record (7-17 in conference play) since moving to the American Conference from Conference USA. They have yet to secure a bowl appearance in these three seasons.
