Trent Dilfer is heading into a pivotal 2025 season atop the UAB football program, and he's nearly completed a series of several staff changes.
Sources tell FootballScoop that Dilfer is making two new additions to his UAB defensive staff that works under the guidance of new coordinator Steve Russ.
Jonathan Celestin comes to UAB by way of the University of Virginia, where's been serving as the assistant linebackers coach for the ACC program.
A former standout at the University of Minnesota, Celestin is fairly early in his coaching career after having NFL stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Jets and Carolina Panthers; he's also got pro experience from his time in the XFL with the D.C. Defenders.
Tee Mitchell is joining the UAB program as its nickels coach, sources share with FootballScoop.
Most recently the safeties coach and defensive pass game coordinator at NCAA Division II program Edward Waters, Mitchell is a former Mercer star, earning distinction as the school's all-time rushing leader with more than 2,660 yards upon the completion of his playing career.
Like Celestin, Mitchell also boasts NFL experience from a pair of seasons on staff for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has additional experience from coaching stops at ACC program Duke, Eastern Kentucky and West Georgia.
UAB, coming off a 3-9 season in which it lost four games by 10 or fewer points, is set to open its 2025 campaign at home against FCS program Alabama A&M Aug. 28, hosts Akron 15 days and then travels to Josh Heupel's Tennessee Vols Sept. 20.