Alabama's football program, under the strategic guidance of head coach Kalen DeBoer, is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at rectifying past deficiencies. After a 2025 season that saw a marked improvement in team discipline, reflected by a 38% reduction in penalties, DeBoer is now channeling his efforts into revitalizing the team's struggling rushing attack. This comprehensive overhaul includes a complete restructuring of the offensive line coaching staff and a substantial refreshment of the player roster within that crucial unit. Furthermore, strategic adjustments have been made to the tight end coaching position and player acquisitions, all designed to bolster the ground game. These decisive actions underscore DeBoer's commitment to addressing core issues with speed and thoroughness, offering a promising outlook for the 2026 season.
DeBoer Implements Sweeping Changes to Bolster Alabama's Rushing Prowess
In the aftermath of the 2024 college football season, Alabama's coaching staff, led by Kalen DeBoer, meticulously analyzed the team's performance, pinpointing two primary areas of concern: a high volume of penalties and an anemic run game. DeBoer's proactive approach yielded immediate results in 2025, with the Crimson Tide significantly reducing their penalties by 38%, dropping from 7.3 to a mere 4.5 per game, propelling them to 15th nationally in this metric. Additionally, the team demonstrated remarkable prowess in hostile environments, securing crucial road victories against formidable opponents like Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, Auburn, and Oklahoma.
However, the 2025 season illuminated a glaring weakness in the rushing department, which managed a dismal 3.35 yards per attempt, with running backs recording only 11 carries exceeding 15 yards throughout the entire season. This stark reality, juxtaposed with the 2023 squad's perceived 'weakest rushing attack' that still featured 14 such runs from Jase McLellan alone, underscored the urgent need for intervention.
DeBoer responded decisively. Following the season's conclusion, offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic was replaced by Adrian Klemm, whose impressive coaching pedigree includes successful stints at both the collegiate and NFL levels, notably with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This change signals a renewed focus on foundational strength. Concurrently, the offensive line underwent a near-complete reconstruction, with 11 players departing the program and only Michael Carroll returning as a starter. The infusion of four new freshmen, a JUCO transfer, and six portal transfers indicates a bold recruitment strategy designed to inject fresh talent and diverse experience into the line.
Further reinforcing the commitment to the run game, DeBoer made a pivotal adjustment in the tight end coaching staff. Bryan Ellis, previously a QB coach, transitioned to that role, making way for Richard Owens, who was recruited from Louisville. Owens brings a wealth of experience as a former NFL tight end and a successful coaching career focusing on tight ends and offensive lines, including notable achievements in developing robust rushing offenses at Louisville, where his offensive lines facilitated an average of 8 yards per carry for the top two running backs in 2025. The acquisition of Josh Ford, a 6'6" 265-pound run-blocking tight end, through the transfer portal, further solidifies this strategic direction. The recent signing of EJ Crowell, the nation's top high school running back, rounds out a comprehensive effort to revitalize Alabama's ground game.
Kalen DeBoer's strategic maneuvers illustrate a head coach deeply committed to addressing fundamental issues with precision and comprehensive action. The targeted changes in coaching personnel and player recruitment, particularly within the offensive line and tight end positions, underscore a clear vision for an enhanced rushing attack. While the full impact of these changes will unfold over the coming months, the proactive and thorough nature of DeBoer's leadership offers a compelling reason for optimism among the Crimson Tide faithful. The emphasis on strengthening the run game, coupled with a renewed focus on discipline, positions Alabama for a potentially dominant 2026 season. Roll Tide!
