TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — As Alabama prepares for the College Football Playoff and works to manage its roster in December, it appears that it will have to fill a coaching vacancy on its staff. Alabama outside linebackers coach/special teams coordinator Coleman Hutzler is set to join Mississippi State’s staff as its defensive coordinator.
Yahoo! Sports Ross Dellenger was the first to report the move. Here’s what you need to know:
- Hutzler spent two seasons with Alabama as the outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator.
- Hutzler and new Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby worked together at Ole Miss in 2021 when Hutzler was the special teams coordinator and Lebby was the offensive coordinator.
- Hutzler has previous SEC stops at Florida, South Carolina and Ole Miss.
- It’s unknown whether Hutzler will remain with the Tide through the Playoff.
What does this mean for the Tide?
Hutzler’s departure leaves voids on defense and special teams where he made significant impacts. Alabama’s outside linebacker duo of Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell was among the best nationally. The specialists, Will Reichard and James Burnip, were both All-SEC selections this season.
The coaching staff was full with 10 assistants including Hutzler. Without an in-house responsibility reshuffle, Nick Saban will have to hire an assistant who wears multiple hats. It will be an attractive opening, one that allows for a great deal of responsibility, no shortage of elite talent (there are three blue chip recruits at outside linebacker in the 2023 class and No. 2 kicker Conor Talty) and the chance to work under Saban.
Source : The Athletic