Where Alabama’s 2023 coaching staff ended up after Saban’s retirement

When Nick Saban retired on Jan. 10, it didn’t just impact the man who had been Alabama football’s head coach for 17 seasons. Saban’s final Crimson Tide staff has seen significant change, since the final game of the 2023 campaign.

Even before Saban’s retirement, there was turnover in Tuscaloosa. Since Kalen DeBoer’s hiring, all but two of last season’s assistants have left the program.

Here’s a look at where each of UA’s on-field assistants from the 2023 season have landed.

Kevin Steele– Retired

The news of Steele’s retirement came before Saban’s. After three stints at Alabama, the defensive coordinator opted to hang it up.

His career began in 1980 and included a stint as Baylor’s head coach. He also spent time as the defensive coordinator at Auburn and Miami.

Tommy Rees– Cleveland Browns

Rees spent a single season in Tuscaloosa as Saban’s final offensive coordinator. It was his second coordinator job, after he moved over from his alma mater, Notre Dame, before the 2023 campaign.

He will reportedly coach tight ends for the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.

Holmon Wiggins– Texas A&M

Texas A&M scooped up Wiggins to join its new staff, under head coach Mike Elko. The former Duke head coach took over after the Aggies fired Jimbo Fisher.

Wiggins picked up a new title during his move. He’ll coach wideouts, just as he did with the Crimson Tide, but he’s also listed as a co-offensive coordinator in College Station.

Joe Cox– Ole Miss

Cox will also remain in the SEC. He’ll coach tight ends under a familiar face at Ole Miss, former Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.

However, Cox won’t see his old team this season. Due to the SEC’s new schedule with Texas and Oklahoma joining the league, Alabama and Ole Miss will not play each other in 2024.

Freddie Roach– Alabama

Roach was one of two coaches who DeBoer retained for the 2024 season. He’ll continue his role as the Crimson Tide’s defensive line coach.

He joined Saban’s staff at Alabama before the 2022 season.

Robert Gillespie– Alabama

Gillespie came in to Alabama the same season as Roach. He’ll stay on as well, continuing to coach the Crimson Tide’s running backs.

Among other stops, Gillespie coached at North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia before coming to Tuscaloosa.

Travaris Robinson– Georgia

One of the key parts of Alabama’s defensive staff, DeBoer reportedly attempted to retain Robinson as his defensive coordinator. The effort was unsuccessful, and Robinson, who coached Alabama’s cornerbacks, headed off to Georgia.

He picked up a co-defensive coordinator job in Athens.

Eric Wolford– Kentucky

Maybe you can go home again. When Wolford left Kentucky to come coach the offensive line Alabama, Wildcats coach Mark Stoops was publicly angry.

However, the two seemingly managed to patch up their differences. Wolford returned to his old role as Kentucky’s offensive line coach.

Robert Bala– Western Michigan

Bala coached inside linebackers for Saban. He was announced as Western Michigan’s new defensive coordinator on Thursday.

He had joined the Crimson Tide for the 2023 season.

Coleman Hutzler– Mississippi State

Hutzler’s departure had been finalized before the 2023 season came to an end. He’s now the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State under new head coach Jeff Lebby.

He had coached outside linebacker at Alabama and also served as the special teams coordinator.