After parting ways with former Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer following a rocky three-year run, UAB needed fresh leadership. Enter Alex Mortensen. But the UAB OC turned interim HC isn’t just filling a seat. The reason is apparent to see. Under his play-calling, the Blazers soared to 16th nationally in passing offense. Having coached since 2012, the 39-year-old brings a decade of experience to Birmingham. Hence, it’s Mortensen’s moment to prove the magic isn’t just in the playbook.
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Who is Alex Mortensen?
Born on November 24, 1985, Alex Mortensen attended Landmark Christian School, where his football journey began. Then he went on to play QB at Samford and Arkansas. Although his college days went well, he went undrafted in the 2009 NFL draft. Despite that, Mortensen earned a shot with the Tennessee Titans as a free agent.
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Alex Mortensen, the son of legendary late ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen, will serve UAB’s interim head coach, sources told @CBSSports.
Mortensen, 39, is former Arkansas QB and has worked at Alabama and Rams before joining Dilfer’s staff as OC. pic.twitter.com/99GuUzdpVL
— John Talty (@JTalty) October 12, 2025
However, his time with the Titans was brief, as he launched a new chapter on the sidelines by 2012. He was mentoring QBs at New Mexico Highlands and then stopped with the St. Louis Rams, and later, Alabama followed. Now, as UAB’s interim HC, the Atlanta native is ready to turn potential into proof.
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Who is Alex Mortensen’s wife?
Alex Mortensen’s wife, Jessica Welkenback, is a Michigan native. While Alex leads with strategy, Jessica leads with heart. She is a child development and therapeutic activities intern at HopeWell Ranch. The two exchanged vows in 2023, but there was an interesting fact about their wedding ceremony.
Guests were invited to donate to their future instead of traditional gifts. They have had no children in just two years of marriage. Alex often calls her his “anchor,” admiring her passion for helping others. Now settled in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Alex and Jessica’s relationship thrives on teamwork.
Who are Alex Mortensen’s parents and siblings?
Alex Mortensen grew up in a family with his father, Chris Mortensen, and mother, Micki. His father was an ESPN legend and worked for the NFL, but his journey was full of highs and lows. After a courageous battle with Stage 4 throat cancer diagnosed in 2016, Chris returned to ESPN. But in September 2023, he stepped away from the network to “focus on my health, family, and faith,” according to ESPN.
Unfortunately, he passed away in 2024, but his influence continues to guide Alex. His mother was his steady anchor and provided unwavering support and strength through every challenge in the sports world. Now, growing up with a brother, Dennis Rosendahl Mortensen, and a sister, Gitte Rosendahl Mortensen, Alex experienced the power of family bonds firsthand. Looking ahead, the love and support instilled by his family will shine through in the UAB team’s gameplay.
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What is Alex Mortensen’s net worth and football contract & salary?
Although Alex Mortensen’s net worth remains under the radar, his coaching contract is in the spotlight. He signed a two-year deal as UAB’s OC. His current salary and contract as interim HC aren’t public. However, according to the USA Today report, he earned a base salary of $325,000 as an assistant coach in 2024.
Still, numbers aside, it’s clear Mortensen is more about impact on the field than digits on a paycheck. Let’s see if the 2-4 UAB team can get back on track under his leadership.
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