Alabama reportedly makes key analyst hire for defensive coaching staff
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Alabama is expected to hire Jake Vang as a defensive analyst, according to a report.
CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz was first to share that news on Monday evening, noting that Vang currently serves as Central Washington’s defensive coordinator. He arrived at Central Washington earlier this offseason after previously working for Sacramento State as an edge rushers coach.
Vang is a Kansas State alum who began his coaching career as a student assistant with the Wildcats. He’s also worked at Michigan State and Colorado State, although his first role as an on-field assistant came at Sacramento State in 2025.
He’ll now join an Alabama coaching staff that is hoping to produce big-time results on defense in 2026. The Crimson Tide conceded 4.92 yards per play in 2025, which ranked 21st nationally.
Alabama is expected to take a step forward overall in 2026 and is among the favorites to win the SEC Championship next season on Kalshi:
Vang is set to join Alabama just ahead of the start of spring practice. The Crimson Tide will begin spring practice on March 8. The annual A-Day Game is set for April 11.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
