UAB Football has announced the hiring of three new defensive staff members ahead of spring practice under head coach Alex Mortensen. Lionel Stokes joins as the cornerbacks coach, having previously been a defensive analyst at Michigan, while Nigel Madison will coach inside linebackers, returning after a stint with Colorado State. Anthony Marciano, the assistant inside linebackers coach, arrives from Baylor, where he served as the linebackers coach. The hires aim to bolster the Blazers' defensive strategy as they approach the new season.

By the Numbers
  • Stokes was part of a Michigan defense that ranked 19th nationally against the run.
  • Marciano contributed to Michigan's CIF National Championship season in 2023.
State of Play
  • Spring practice begins on March 18 and concludes with a showcase on April 18.
  • UAB is actively promoting 2026 season tickets for all home games.
What's Next

As spring practice kicks off, the focus will be on integrating the new staff and implementing defensive schemes. Potential recruitment strategies linked to the Competitive Excellence Fund will also be a key focus for UAB Football moving forward.

Bottom Line

The new hires represent a strategic move by UAB to strengthen its defensive coaching as the team prepares for a critical upcoming season, emphasizing a blend of experienced coaching talent aimed at achieving competitive excellence.