Kalen DeBoer made the first of what will likely not be the last of his staff changes in the aftermath of Alabama football's disappointing 9-4 2024 season. DeBoer obviously understands the sense of urgency for improvement and that a 9-4 record will never be an acceptable result in Tuscaloosa, especially coming off of the best dynasty in the history of the sport.
On Friday, it was reported that safeties coach Colin Hitschler would not be brought back in 2025. Hitschler joined the Alabama staff after spending a season as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Wisconsin. He had previously spent five seasons on the defensive staff at Cincinnati.
Hitschler held the co-defensive coordinator title at Alabama, too, but Kane Wommack was the defensive coordinator and playcaller. Maurice Linguist, the cornerbacks coach and former Buffalo head coach, also held the co-defensive coordinator title. Linguist is now expected to add additional responsibility and coach the entire secondary.
Wommack will now oversee the entire defense and not coach a position, according to reports. Wommack was the inside linebackers coach this season to go along with his coordinator responsibilities.
Hitschler being pushed out is to make room for longtime DeBoer assistant and friend Chuck Morrell, who will be moving into an on-field role to coach the Crimson Tide's inside linebackers.
Alabama is expected to promote former Washington assistant and longtime friend of Kalen DeBoer, Chuck Morrell, as its ILBs coach, sources confirm to BamaOnLine.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) January 3, 2025
Two other defensive coaches will see their roles shift next season.
Full details:https://t.co/UNagcyEYYo (On3+) pic.twitter.com/YNjvnOQAzc
Morrell is one of DeBoer's most trusted assistants. Morrell was DeBoer's defensive coordinator for five seasons at Sioux Falls before becoming the head coach at Montana Tech. Morrell spent eight years as the head coach at Montana Tech before joining DeBoer's staff as the safeties coach at Fresno State. He moved with DeBoer to Washington in 2022 and spent two seasons as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach with the Huskies.
Morrell joined DeBoer in Tuscaloosa, but there was not an on-field role for him. He spent 2024 as a special assistant to the head coach. Morrell is a well-respected coach and it's obvious that DeBoer has a lot of trust in him. It would not be a surprise if he ultimately becomes Alabama's defensive coordinator after another year or two when Wommack gets another head coaching opportunity.
Alabama's defense finished 10th in the country in yards per play in 2024 and seemingly improved as the season went along. Big things are expected for the unit next season.
I would not expect this to be the last staff change we see this offseason for the Crimson Tide. With as disappointing as the offense was, I would be surprised if there wasn't a change or two on that side of the football.
It could be a wait and see approach there, though, as I wouldn't be shocked to see Ryan Grubb make his way to Tuscaloosa if he is not retained as the Seahawks offensive coordinator next season.