Report: Alabama hires former Michigan assistant coach George Helow

Alabama football coach Nick Saban has hired former Michigan assistant coach George Helow, according to a report.

Helow, whose coaching career began as a defensive intern under Saban on the Crimson Tide’s 2012 national championship team, was a linebackers coach at Michigan in 2021-2022. The hire was first reported by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.

Although Helow, 36, was not on the Wolverines’ staff this season, there is little doubt he could provide Alabama with some valuable insight on UM’s team ahead of the Crimson Tide’s Jan. 1 Rose Bowl clash with Michigan in a College Football Playoff semifinal. After leaving Alabama after the 2012 season, Helow worked as a graduate assistant at Florida State, then as a safeties coach at Georgia before stints at Colorado State and Maryland.

It remains unclear whether Helow’s hire means he will be the ultimate replacement for Coleman Hutzler, the UA linebackers coach who departed earlier this month for the defensive coordinator position at Mississippi State. Based on experience, he would be a strong fit for the role, as he also has experience coaching special teams, which was another of Hutzler’s duties at Alabama.

Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter @chasegoodbread.

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