 In January 2014, former Jacksonville State head coach Bill Clark was hired to serve as the next head coach at UAB.In his first season as head coach of the Blazers, the team composed a 6–6 record, its best since 2004.On November 30, 2014, a day after the Blazers had become bowl eligible for the first time since 2004, "Sports Illustrated" reported that UAB was planning to fire athletic director Brian Mackin and end the football program.