DeMeco Ryans was one of the best linebackers in Alabama history, and carried that success over into a long NFL career.

Now, though, he’s trying to make a similar rise through the coaching ranks, and is off to a really good start.

On Wednesday, it was reported by SacBee.com that Ryans would serve as the San Francisco 49ers’ ILB coach this coming season, replacing Ken Norton Jr., who left for the Seattle Seahawks. GM John Lynch said Norton’s decision was the reason Ryans got the job, but he and the team’s head coach are confident he can handle the increased responsibility:

“It probably accelerated DeMeco’s rise,” general manager John Lynch said of Norton’s decision to go to Seattle. “But, hey, Kyle (Shanahan) and I talked about it and he’s more than ready. We’re excited about it.”

Interestingly, that makes Ryans the new position coach of former Alabama LB Reuben Foster, who is dealing with a legal situation after an arrest this offseason.

Whether or not Ryans can reach his fellow Crimson Tide alum will be critical to his success this year and beyond.