Nick Saban caused an explosion by Michigan fans on Thursday. Saban added to the Alabama Football staff a former defensive coach for the Wolverines, George Helow.
Helow has worked for Alabama Football and Nick Saban before when he was a defensive intern in 2012. Helow was on Jim Harbaugh's staff in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Before coaching in Ann Arbor, Helow was an assistant coach at Georgia, Colorado State, and Maryland. He was also a graduate assistant at Florida State in 2013. He has coached safeties and linebackers along with special teams.
Helow is expected to begin work in Tuscaloosa immediately. Alabama does not have an opening for an on-field assistant. Although Coleman Hutzler is leaving Alabama to become the Defensive Coordinator at Mississippi State, he plans to continue with the Crimson Tide through the CFB Playoff.
What job Helow will perform for the Crimson Tide is not yet known. His undefined role immediately created a social media outcry from Michigan fans.
What if George Helow steals all of our signs and gives them to Alabama? I fear for the safety of our players. @bigten @NCAA please do something
— Blue By 90 (@bluebyninety) December 14, 2023
Bama just hired George helow @bigten someone please tell Tony Peteti that this is going to put our student athletes at higher risk since they are going to know a lot of our scheme and signs!!!
— Schmitty (@Schmitt_on_yall) December 14, 2023
The irony of Michigan fans complaining about an opponent stealing signs is beyond laughable. It would be funny except that Michigan fans appear to be seriously irate.
A totally different response came from a Florida and Michigan State fan who voiced what some Crimson Tide fans may be thinking.
Can someone logically explain why Saban’s hiring of George Helow is a good idea?
— Go Green Go Gators (@SpartyOn21) December 14, 2023
Sounds like a disaster IMHO. Who’s to say he won’t illegally copy and relay information about Alabama to Jim Harbaugh and Michigan?
Jumping past all the consternation, it might be that Helow will assume in the 2024 season, the exact duties held by Coleman Hutzler; coaching outside linebackers and special teams. Some Michigan fans are convinced Helow will have a much shorter tenure in Tuscaloosa; one that ends in the early morning hours of Jan. 2
Alabama Football Expands Knowledge of Michigan Defense
At the least, Alabama Football will benefit from Helow's knowledge of Michigan's defense. In preparation for the Rose Bowl, the Crimson Tide's thorough analysis of how the Bama offense should attack Michigan will be aided by Helow's experience in Ann Arbor.
No Michigan fan will agree but there is nothing dishonest about adding George Helow to the Alabama football staff.