The University of Alabama announced the hires of Mel Tucker and Jody Wright in two separate press releases on Thursday.
Tucker, the former defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, was hired to be the new Tide defensive backs coach as well as an assistant head coach. Wright comes to Tuscaloosa as the new director of player personnel by way of UAB where he worked as an assistant coach and running back coach.
From the press release concerning Tucker, here is what Saban and Tucker had to say.
"“I’ve known Mel for almost 20 years going back to Michigan State when I hired him as a graduate assistant,” said Saban. “He is an outstanding coach all the way around and really does an excellent job in terms of teaching the players. When you look at his college and NFL experience, his resume is very impressive, and he’ll be a positive addition to our defensive staff. Mel’s experience with the secondary will allow us to move Kirby back to coaching the inside linebackers, which has been most effective for our defensive coordinator. We’re pleased and happy to welcome Mel and his family to Tuscaloosa.”“I’ve known Coach Saban since I was 17 years old and he recruited me when he was the head coach at Toledo,” said Tucker. “He gave me my first job at Michigan State and most of what I learned as a defensive backs coach came from him. He has always been extremely loyal to me and my family, and is a trusted friend and mentor. We’ve become big Crimson Tide fans through the years and our family actually went to the bowl games against Michigan State and Notre Dame. When I was invited to speak here at one of the coaching clinics, I really got to see first-hand how special the University of Alabama is and I’m honored to join Coach Saban’s staff. I have the utmost respect this program and what Coach Saban stands for as a man and as a coach.”"
Last but certainly not least, here are the quotes from Saban and Wright.
"“We are glad to have Jody back on our staff in this role,” said Saban. “We thought very highly of him when he was with us before, and when this position became available, he was the first person that came to mind. Jody is extremely well-thought of in the state of Alabama and throughout the southeast when you talk to anyone involved with football at the college or high school level. He is also very organized and has excellent people skills, which make him a great fit for this role.”“I’m grateful for the opportunity to work for Coach Saban and to be a part of the football program at the University of Alabama,” said Wright. “Growing up as a coach’s son in Pickens County, I have always had a great respect for the passion and tradition at Alabama. It was a dream of mine as a kid to work at the University of Alabama one day. Coach Saban gave me that chance in 2010 and I’m humbled and excited to work for him at Alabama again. I look forward to doing my part to continue the tradition of success at the best program in the country for the best coach in college football.”"