The Alabama Crimson Tide hired Miami’s defensive coordinator, Kevin Steele, for the same role under Nick Saban. Alabama was probably interested in Georgia co-defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, but the Crimson Tide ended up going in another direction.
Nick Saban and Alabama had to replace both coordinators this offseason. Saban is quite familiar with replacing his coordinators, but recently the Crimson Tide have not had much continuity at either coordinator slot.
Part of Georgia’s success is due to the Bulldogs’ ability to maintain continuity on the coaching staff. That could change this offseason. Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken has had several interviews with NFL teams. Additionally, co-defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann is a candidate to become Miami’s defensive coordinator. Schumann would certainly be qualified for the role.
Saban and Alabama likely reached out to Schumann given his background and success. Schumann coached at Alabama from 2008-2014 as a student and graduate assistant. It is hard to imagine the Miami defensive coordinator position looking more enticing than the Alabama role.
Monken’s timeline with the NFL may be delayed until after the Super Bowl. NFL teams want to interview key staff members from the well-respected coaching staffs in the Super Bowl.
Kirby Smart had both Schumann and Monken as coordinators for Georgia’s back-to-back national championships. Yes, Georgia lost Dan Lanning to Oregon last offseason, but Georgia has maintained an elite coaching staff despite winning consecutive national championships. Major roster turnover is definite in college football, but significant coaching turnover does not always happen year-to-year.
ESPN’s Chris Low reported the news of Alabama hiring Kevin Steele:
Kevin Steele has accepted the job as @AlabamaFTBL’s defensive coordinator, sources tell ESPN. This will be Steele’s third different stint under Nick Saban at Bama. Steele, a 39-year coaching veteran, was @CanesFootball’s DC last season. He’s coached at four different SEC schools.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) February 5, 2023
