Saban Announces Football Staff Addition as well as Two Promotions
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban announced the hiring of a new Director of Player Personnel, Tim Davis, as well as promotions for current coaches Kevin Steele and Kirby Smart on his defensive staff Tuesday.
“I’m excited to be here at the University of Alabama,” said Davis. “Having spent time on the Dolphins’ staff with Nick, I know the caliber of coach he is and I’m looking forward to doing my part in building a championship program. It’s great to be back in college football, especially at a place with Alabama’s celebrated history and tradition.” Saban also announced Tuesday that Steele was promoted to associate head coach/head defensive coach and Smart was promoted to defensive coordinator. Alabama ranked 27th nationally last season in scoring defense (22.0 ppg) and 31st nationally in total defense (345.5 ypg). Three members of the Crimson Tide defense earned first team All-SEC honors (Wallace Gilberry, Rashad Johnson and Simeon Castille) while two other defenders were named to the All-SEC Freshmen team (Rolando McClain and Kareem Jackson). “Kevin’s an outstanding coach and an outstanding recruiter,” said Saban. “He has become a right hand man for me. He’s certainly a guy who would make a fantastic head coach. Of all the assistant coaches I’ve had, Kevin’s as fine as any of them. “Kirby had the opportunity to go someplace else as a defensive coordinator,” said Saban. “We felt it was imperative and very important to keep these two guys together. They had worked very well together in the past. They worked very well last year in helping our defense improve as the year went on. I’m very happy and pleased to have both of those guys on the staff. They both make a strong contribution, they both have tremendous leadership qualities, and they are both very, very good recruiters.” Alabama opens spring practice on March 13th and the annual A-Day Game is scheduled for April 12th in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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