Alabama Crimson Tide: DC situation & other news

The Alabama Crimson Tide has hired Kevin Steele as its next defensive coordinator, but it appears the move goes deeper than surface level suggests. Could this be the beginning of a bigger plan by Coach Nick Saban to bring in someone else as defensive coordinator in a more long-term capacity?

Many Alabama Crimson Tide fans wanted Jeremy Pruitt to be Bama’s next defensive coordinator, but the NCAA cloud hanging over Pruitt from his time at Tennessee has prevented that from happening. Because Pruitt likely won’t be cleared of sanctions until the fall, Alabama had to look elsewhere for a defensive coordinator.

The Crimson Tide finally decided on Kevin Steele, and insiders believe that Jeremy Pruitt was included in the decision-making process to hire Steele (per the Twitter page of Tide Illustrated’s Tony Tsoukalas).

Tsoukalas also appeared to confirm the popular notion that Pruitt is, in fact, the long-term solution at DC. Though there is still no confirmation of this, it has been widely speculated that Pruitt will join the 2023 Alabama defensive coaching staff in some capacity, likely as an analyst.

While this news will make most Alabama fans happy, the more cynical factions of the fan base will be more concerned with just how much of an impact Pruitt would be able to make in an off-field role in the upcoming season.

Bama fans should be advised to remain patient and avoid jumping to conclusions, as coaching staff rumors can get frustrating to follow. What we do know is that Kevin Steele will be the DC in 2023. While he may not have been the absolute best choice, he was far from the worst, and should be an upgrade at the position to some degree. If Alabama does bring in Pruitt as an analyst, the fact that he was consulted regarding the DC hire indicates that he will have plenty of input.

Alabama Crimson Tide: Other news in Bama athletics

-Once a member of Alabama’s 2024 recruiting class, 4-star tight end Martavious Collins has decommitted from the Crimson Tide. Collins is a solid player, and a plus-athlete at the tight end position. As it stands, Alabama football is pretty loaded at tight end, with seven versatile pieces currently on the roster.

-The Tide remain in good shape in the 2024 class, which is so far from being finished that no decommitment should warrant an overreaction. Alabama still has 2024 verbal commitments from 5-star quarterback Julian Sayin, 4-star cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe, 4-star wide receiver Perry Thompson, and 4-star linebacker Sterling Dixon.

-Alabama men’s basketball (20-3, 10-0 SEC) is coming off a road win over LSU, and will host Florida on Wednesday night.

-Similarly, Alabama women’s basketball (17-6, 6-4 SEC) is coming off a big road win over Missouri. The women’s basketball team will play at Kentucky on Thursday night as it continues to make headway in a loaded SEC.

Bama Hammer will continue to provide updates on both basketball teams, as well as football coaching changes heading into the spring.