The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
The Future of UAB Athletics: A Letter from Andy Kennedy
8/19/2026 4:18:00 PM | General
Dear Blazer Nation,
Yesterday, UAB announced a leadership transition for our athletics department and my appointment as interim director of UAB Athletics. I wanted to reach out directly to thank you for your continued support and share my enthusiasm about the future of our program.
First, I want to express my appreciation to Mark Ingram for his years of service to UAB Athletics. Over the past decade, our department has experienced significant growth, important facility investments, and many memorable moments that have helped strengthen the foundation of Blazer Athletics. We are grateful for his contributions and commitment to this university.
I also want to thank our president, Dr. Ray Watts, for his leadership through this transition and for entrusting me to assist in this transition as we continue our pursuit to build an athletics program that thrives in the modern era of collegiate sports.
As many of you know, college athletics is undergoing one of the most significant periods of change in its history. New financial realities, evolving competitive dynamics, and changing expectations from student-athletes, fans and supporters are reshaping the landscape every day. While those changes present challenges, they also create tremendous opportunities for programs willing to embrace them.
I firmly believe that UAB can position itself to thrive in this environment.
This university has outstanding leadership, a talented and dedicated athletics staff, exceptional coaches, and student-athletes who represent UAB with pride every day. Most importantly, we have a passionate community of supporters who care deeply about the future of Blazer Athletics.
As I begin this interim role, our focus is simple:
I have always believed in the potential of UAB Athletics, and I believe our best days are ahead of us.
The future of UAB Athletics will not be built by any one coach, administrator or leader. It will be built by an entire community that believes in what this university can achieve. I know firsthand the passion that exists throughout Blazer Nation, and I am confident that, together, we can create an even stronger future for UAB Athletics. The opportunities ahead are significant, and I am excited about what we can accomplish together.
Thank you for standing with our student-athletes, coaches and university. We look forward to building the future together.
Go Blazers!
Andy Kennedy
Interim Director, UAB Athletics
Head Men's Basketball Coach
Yesterday, UAB announced a leadership transition for our athletics department and my appointment as interim director of UAB Athletics. I wanted to reach out directly to thank you for your continued support and share my enthusiasm about the future of our program.
First, I want to express my appreciation to Mark Ingram for his years of service to UAB Athletics. Over the past decade, our department has experienced significant growth, important facility investments, and many memorable moments that have helped strengthen the foundation of Blazer Athletics. We are grateful for his contributions and commitment to this university.
I also want to thank our president, Dr. Ray Watts, for his leadership through this transition and for entrusting me to assist in this transition as we continue our pursuit to build an athletics program that thrives in the modern era of collegiate sports.
As many of you know, college athletics is undergoing one of the most significant periods of change in its history. New financial realities, evolving competitive dynamics, and changing expectations from student-athletes, fans and supporters are reshaping the landscape every day. While those changes present challenges, they also create tremendous opportunities for programs willing to embrace them.
I firmly believe that UAB can position itself to thrive in this environment.
This university has outstanding leadership, a talented and dedicated athletics staff, exceptional coaches, and student-athletes who represent UAB with pride every day. Most importantly, we have a passionate community of supporters who care deeply about the future of Blazer Athletics.
As I begin this interim role, our focus is simple:
- Support our student-athletes.
- Support our coaches and staff.
- Continue to build momentum across our programs.
- Strengthen relationships with our supporters and community.
- Position UAB Athletics for long-term success.
I have always believed in the potential of UAB Athletics, and I believe our best days are ahead of us.
The future of UAB Athletics will not be built by any one coach, administrator or leader. It will be built by an entire community that believes in what this university can achieve. I know firsthand the passion that exists throughout Blazer Nation, and I am confident that, together, we can create an even stronger future for UAB Athletics. The opportunities ahead are significant, and I am excited about what we can accomplish together.
Thank you for standing with our student-athletes, coaches and university. We look forward to building the future together.
Go Blazers!
Andy Kennedy
Interim Director, UAB Athletics
Head Men's Basketball Coach
Saturday, August 15
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