UAB Blazers football
UAB began its football program in Division III of the NCAA in 1991. Jim Hilyer was the first head coach of the Blazers, from 1991-1994. Watson Brown took over as head coach in 1995 and oversaw the team's advancement into Division I-A in 1996, and membership in Conference USA in 1999.
In 2000, UAB achieved a monumental victory by beating Nick Saban's LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge. In 2004, UAB earned their first bowl trip, losing to the University of Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl.
UAB plays its home football games at Legion Field. Through its marketing department, the team has sought to establish the University of Memphis as its primary on-field rival, creating the "Battle for the Bones" trophy for the winner of the annual match-up.
Following the 3-9 2006 season, Watson Brown resigned to take the head coaching job at Tennessee Tech, in his home town. The search for a replacement focused first on Louisiana State University assistant Jimbo Fisher, but the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees rejected the proposed contract amount [1]. Georgia offensive coordinator Neil Callaway was named head coach on December 17, 2006.
Callaway's coaching staff for the 2007 season included Ervin Lewis as director of football operations. Kim Helton as offensive coordinator, Kim's son Tyson Helton as quarterbacks coach, Tim Bowens as receivers' coach, Steve Davenport as running backs coach, Will Friend as offensive line coach, Eric Schumann as defensive coordinator, Tyson Summers as linebackers coach, Corey Barlow as cornerbacks' coach, and Zo Contantini as defensive line coach.
Callaway's coaching staff remained unchanged going into the 2008 season.
| Coach | Years | Wins-Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Hilyer | 1991-1994 | 27-12-2 (.692) |
| Watson Brown | 1995-2006 | 62-74 (.456) |
| Neil Callaway | 2007- Present | 6-18 (.200) |
| Overall | 96-104-2 (.487) |
NFL players
- Jake Arians, kicker, Buffalo Bills (2001)
- Kyle Bissinger, linebacker, New England Patriots (2007)
- Rodregis Brooks, cornerback, Indianapolis Colts (2001)
- Chris Brown, cornerback, Jacksonville Jaguars (2003)
- Pernell Davis, defensive tackle, Philadelphia Eagles (1999)
- Josh Evans, defensive tackle, Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans (1995-2001), New York Jets (2002-4)
- Carl Fair, running back, Cleveland Browns (2001)
- Eddie Freeman, defensive end/tackle, Kansas City Chiefs (2002-2003)
- Otis Leverette, defensive end, Washington Redskins (2001-2), San Diego Chargers (2003), San Francisco 49ers (2004)
- Izell Reese, cornerback/safety, Dallas Cowboys (1998-2001), Denver Broncos (2002), Buffalo Bills (2003-4)
- Dainon Sydney, cornerback, Tennessee Titans (1998-2002), Buffalo Bills (2003)
- Bryan Thomas, defensive end, New York Jets (2002-)
- Corey White, running back, Green Bay Packers
- Roddy White, wide receiver, Atlanta Falcons (2005-)
- Julius Wilson, offensive tackle, Miami Dolphins (2007-)
- Zac Woodfin, linebacker, Baltimore Ravens (2005-)