UAB’s Alex Mortensen hitting comfort zone heading into 2026 season

Alex Mortensen is embracing the head coaching life at UAB as he prepares for his first full season at the helm. While the 40-year-old coach admits that the typical pressures of a Division I head coach—specifically media obligations—once felt outside his comfort zone, he is quickly finding his rhythm.

“There was probably a time where I wasn’t sure how comfortable I was going to be, frankly, doing media or things of that nature,” Mortensen said in an exclusive interview with 205focus.com. “But I think I’m learning. I am getting a little bit more comfortable doing it, so maybe that’s one thing I’ve learned about myself.”

From Interim to Full-Time

Mortensen’s journey to the head coach office was a whirlwind, moving from offensive coordinator to interim head coach in just two months last season. His first game in charge—a 31-24 victory over No. 22 Memphis—was a statement win that remains the only time he has felt true, overwhelming nerves. Once the pregame warm-ups began that day, the anxiety vanished.

That win served as a turning point, though the team faced challenges later in the year, including a tough stretch of injuries that left 39 players unavailable. Despite the adversity, the Blazers managed to close the season with a significant road win over Tulsa, marking the program's first road victory in three years. That resilience helped solidify his role as the permanent head coach this past December.

A Foundation Built in Tuscaloosa

Mortensen brings a wealth of experience from his nine-season tenure at Alabama, where he worked closely under Nick Saban. Spending six years as an offensive analyst focused on quarterbacks, he learned the intricacies of program building alongside future head coaches like Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian, Mike Locksley, and Bill O’Brien.

“I felt very equipped and prepared,” Mortensen noted. “A lot of the things we do well, I would say a lot of it were things that I was able to learn at Alabama.” Now, he is blending those lessons with his own philosophy, aiming to elevate UAB within a competitive American Conference that has seen eight different champions since 2013.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The goals for the 2026 season are clear: UAB is pushing for its first winning campaign since 2022. With the full support of the administration and a booster community eager to help the program take the next step, Mortensen is focused on the future.

Quarterback Ryder Burton, who thrived in his first career start during that Memphis win, remains a key piece of the puzzle. Burton previously pledged his loyalty to Mortensen, stating that he intends to follow the coach’s lead.

As the Blazers prepare for their season opener against Illinois in about 90 days, the team is working through spring and summer development with a clear mission. “I think we got a lot of ground to make up,” Mortensen said. “But I think we got guys that are eager to do it and have the ability to do it. I feel really comfortable at this point.”