Who is Alex Mortensen?

Alex Mortensen is the son of the late ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen, who worked for the network from 1991 to 2023 before passing away in 2024 after a battle with cancer. Alex Mortensen has been named the interim head coach of the UAB football team.

What is the significance of Alex Mortensen's coaching experience?

Prior to his interim head coaching role at UAB, Alex Mortensen worked on Nick Saban's staff at the University of Alabama from 2014 to 2022, helping the Crimson Tide win three national championships. He was hired as the offensive coordinator at UAB in 2023 before being elevated to the interim head coach position.

Home / Sports / Son of Late ESPN Reporter Leads UAB in Emotional Debut

Son of Late ESPN Reporter Leads UAB in Emotional Debut

18 Oct

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Summary

Alex Mortensen, son of late ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen, makes debut as UAB's interim head coach
Chris Mortensen worked for ESPN from 1991-2023 and died in 2024 after cancer battle
ESPN colleagues pay tribute to Alex Mortensen during College GameDay broadcast

Son of Late ESPN Reporter Leads UAB in Emotional Debut

On October 18, 2025, Alex Mortensen will make his debut as the interim head coach of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) football team. This significant event resonates deeply with many in the sports media industry, as Alex's late father, Chris Mortensen, was a beloved ESPN reporter who covered the NFL for over 30 years before passing away in 2024 after a long battle with throat cancer.

During the College GameDay broadcast on October 14, 2025, ESPN reporter Pete Thamel acknowledged the emotional significance of Alex Mortensen's new role, stating, "Our friend Chris Mortensen's son, Alex, is going to be the interim coach at UAB. A lot of eyes, a lot of thoughts and prayers with Alex Mortensen in Bristol today. His dad was the latest and the greatest."