Alabama Football: Tide coaching changes need closure soon
By Ronald Evans
The Alabama football staff is in transition with new hires, openings and rumors of more coaching changes. Saban needs a staff finalized soon for a strong recruiting close.
The Alabama football 2018 recruiting class has holes yet to be filled. Slots are limited and competition fierce as college football’s top programs focus on the remaining top targets. The latest national championship gives the Tide program increased sizzle. Unfortunately, turnover among assistant coaches hampers the Tide’s efforts.
Nick Saban keeps a tight lid on the assistant coaches he pursues. There is little in the way of firm information until a coach is hired. Alabama football fans are left to chase rumors and read tea leaves. The situation is fluid and new rumors frequently surface. Below we review the current status and rumors about each Alabama football assistant.
Eight current assistant coaches with two openings
Burton Burns – Associate Head Coach/Running Backs/Special Teams
With the new hire of Jeff Banks as Special teams coach, Burns is not expected to continue with any special teams duties. Burns is a year younger than Nick Saban but there is a rumor he is considering retirement.
Brain Daboll – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Multiple sources believe Daboll is being considered for NFL Offensive Coordinator positions.
Karl Dunbar – Defensive Line
There have been frequent rumors Dunbar is considering a return to NFL coaching.
Brent Key – Offensive Line
Key is expected to continue on Saban’s staff.
Michael Locksley – Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers
Multiple reports have Locksley in discussions with Willie Taggert at FSU. Our best guess is he will not leave for less than an OC position. Saban will work to keep him. It is encouraging Locksley was allowed by Nick to meet with 2018, top prospect, Jacob Copeland on Friday. There is some conjecture that Locksley is waiting to see if Daboll leaves.
Tosh Lupoi – Co-Defensive Coordinator and Outside Linebackers
Besides Nick Saban, Lupoi has become the Tide’s top recruiter. He may be promoted to the DC slot or continue with the ‘Co-DC’ title. If Dunbar leaves, Lupoi may take over the defensive line.
Joe Pannunzio – Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends
Like Burton Burns, Pannunzio is expected to shed special teams duties.
Pete Golding – Assistant Coach
Golding has not been formally assigned a slot yet. He has DC and defensive back coaching experience. If Lupoi is not promoted to the single DC, the other role of ‘Co-DC’ will likely go to Golding.
Jeff Banks – Assistant Coach
The latest addition to the Alabama football coaching staff is expected to be assigned to special teams.
Possible New Assistant Coach Hires
- Chris Partridge
Per footballscoop.com, Michigan coach Chris Partridge is not interested in joining the Alabama football staff as a linebacker coach. The most recent rumor is that Nick Saban did not offer Partridge the DC slot.
- Doug Belk
Belk is a former Alabama football graduate assistant and currently a defensive backs coach at West Virginia.
- Glenn Schumann
Schumann is on Kirby Smart’s Georgia staff as a linebacker coach. Schumann spent eight years in Tuscaloosa. He was first a student assistant and was promoted to an off-the-field defensive analyst. He was 18-years-old when he began working with the Tide and now at 28, he is considered a fast-rising young coach and already a top recruiter.
His father played football for the Crimson Tide and was also a college football coach.
Next: Has Avery found a lineup that works?
Another young Crimson Tide staff member is moving up in the coaching ranks. Former Tide player and five-year defensive analyst for Nick Saban, Wes Neighbors has been hired by Lane Kiffin. Neighbors is expected to coach defensive backs for FAU.