UAB is moving on from defensive coordinator Steve Russ, cornerbacks coach Ryan Lewis Sr. and nickels coach Tee Mitchell, AL.com confirmed Saturday night. All three assistants were hired by former head coach Trent Dilfer and spent just one year with the Blazers. The personnel changes come as newly-promoted head coach Alex Mortensen continues to build his coaching staff during his first offseason in charge of the team.
Russ struggled in his lone season with the Blazers, leading a unit that ranked second-worst among FBS teams, allowing 38.3 points per game. UAB ranked No. 120 in total defense, allowing 423.3 yards per game. The Blazers ranked No. 122 in run defense (191.08 yapg) and No. 95 in pass defense (232.3 yapg). UAB also ranked third-worst nationally in third-down defense, allowing their opponents to convert 48.98% of their attempts.
Before joining the Blazers last offseason, Russ spent the 2024 season serving as a special assistant at Air Force. He had previously been a defensive coordinator at Air Force (2014-17) and Syracuse (2007)…