Alabama announces hiring of 3 assistant coaches to Nick Saban’s staff

Alabama has confirmed the addition of 3 assistant coaches to Nick Saban’s staff in a formal hiring announcement Monday.

Kevin Steele and Tommy Rees are Alabama’s new coordinators, while Austin Armstrong will be UA’s inside linebackers coach.

“We are excited to bring in such a gifted group of coaches to develop our players both on and off the field,” Saban said in a program release. “Kevin, Tommy and Austin have a great mix of energy, enthusiasm and experience that will be a tremendous asset to our program. They are all excellent teachers of the game and fantastic recruiters who bring a wealth of experience and resources to our staff.”

It will be Steele’s second stint as Alabama’s defensive coordinator under Saban. He originally held that title in 2007. In 2008, Steele was the associate head coach and head defensive coach. He left UA in 2009, returning in 2013 in an off-field role as the Director of Player Personnel before resuming on-field responsibilities in 2014 as the Crimson Tide’s inside linebackers coach.

Steele was most recently Miami’s defensive coordinator for the 2022 season. After his second Alabama stint, he was also defensive coordinator at LSU and Auburn.

“My history with Coach Saban goes back a long time and what he has built here at Alabama is truly amazing,” Steele said via UA. “I understand the high expectations of both Coach Saban and the program, and I am looking forward to helping continue that success.”

Rees joins the Alabama staff after 6 seasons as an assistant coach at Notre Dame, his alma mater. He will be Alabama’s quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, the same responsibilities he had with the Irish the past 3 seasons.

“I have the utmost respect for what Coach Saban has built at Alabama and the tradition of this program,” Rees said in the team announcement. “I’m excited to have this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to getting in the meeting room and on the practice field with this team.”

Armstrong joins the Alabama staff after 2 seasons as Southern Miss’ defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach. He also coached the ILB position at Louisiana in 2020 and was a Georgia quality control assistant in 2019.

“Growing up in West Alabama the opportunity to coach at The University of Alabama is a dream come true,” Armstrong said, per Alabama. “I have admired what Coach Saban has built in Tuscaloosa and the long history of tradition and success this program has enjoyed. I am excited to get to work as we continue the legacy of success that is synonymous with Alabama football.”

The defensive coaches replace Charles Kelly and Pete Golding. Currently, no Alabama assistant has the title of safeties coach, Kelly’s former role. Travaris Robinson is listed as cornerbacks coach.

Rees succeeds Bill O’Brien, who returned to the NFL.

Sweet Home Alabama!

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— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) February 13, 2023

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.