A New Chapter for UAB Athletics
Andy Kennedy, a former Ole Miss basketball coach and longtime UAB player, was named interim athletics director shortly after Mark Ingraham’s dismissal. Kennedy, who spent three seasons as a player at UAB before launching a coaching career that included stints at Ole Miss and his current role as head men’s basketball coach, will now oversee the university’s entire athletics portfolio.
His playing years at UAB left a lasting mark, as he still holds school records for three‑point field goals and free throws. That personal connection to the campus informs his approach to student‑athlete support, as he seeks to leverage his experience both on and off the court.
During his twelve‑year tenure at Ole Miss, Kennedy guided the Rebels to an SEC Tournament championship in 2013 and earned two NCAA Tournament berths. He also coached standout talents such as Marshall Henderson, Murphy Holloway and Stefan Moody, experiences that have shaped his vision for competitive excellence.
Under Mark Ingraham’s leadership, UAB’s athletic programs achieved notable milestones, including two NCAA Tournament appearances over an eleven‑year span. Kennedy plans to build on that foundation, emphasizing community relationships, coach development and the university’s potential to thrive amid evolving financial and competitive challenges in college sports.
Kennedy will continue to coach the men’s basketball team while serving in his interim director capacity, a dual responsibility he says reflects his commitment to the program’s long‑term success. The Blazers have posted at least twenty wins in each of his six seasons as head coach, a testament to his ability to sustain performance.
As college athletics grapple with shifting revenue models and conference realignments, Kennedy’s blend of institutional knowledge and proven leadership positions him to guide UAB through this transitional period, aiming to preserve momentum and foster a resilient athletic culture.