Alabama is reportedly losing a veteran staffer well-known in SEC coaching circles, as he’s set to leave for a Pac-12 assistant position.

And the move has drawn the ire of a former Alabama player. Nick Gentry, a former Tide defensive tackle who won a national title in 2011, is not happy: “Should have moved him back on the damn field.”

BuffZone reported that Sanders is set to hire Sal Sunseri to coach defensive tackles and fill a vacancy on the coaching staff. He would replace Patrick Hill, who left earlier this week after less than 2 months on the job to take a position with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings.

Sunseri, 63, spent the past 4 seasons at Alabama, where he worked alongside new Colorado defensive coordinator Charles Kelly. Sunseri and Kelly also worked together at Florida State (2013-14). At Alabama, Sunseri was a senior special assistant to the head coach. He previously coached outside linebackers at Alabama.

During his coaching career, Sunseri has been a part of 4 national title teams, including 3 times at Alabama (2009, 2011 and 2020). He also won a title at Florida State in 2013.

Sunseri has had 2 stints in the NFL, and coached at several other SEC and ACC schools.