Alabama’s football program enters the 2026 campaign with a handful of position coaches who find themselves under a microscope. While the Crimson Tide boast a deep roster and a storied history, the performance of the assistants who shape the quarterbacks, receivers, line and special teams will be scrutinized more than ever.
Quarterback battle brewing in Tuscaloosa
Bryan Ellis, who arrived from Georgia Southern to take over the quarterbacks, brings a résumé that includes stints at Western Kentucky and USC. His mandate is simple: decide between rising star Keelon Russell and veteran Austin Mack for the starting role. The competition is already being framed as a litmus test for Alabama’s ability to develop a consistent passing attack.
Receivers poised for a comeback
Derrick Nix, the newest wide‑receivers coach, inherits a unit stripped of its top two targets, Germie Bernard and Isaiah Horton. Nix, formerly an offensive coordinator at Ole Miss and a longtime recruiter in the SEC, must blend holdovers like Lotzeir Brooks and Noah Rogers with fresh talent such as Cederian Morgan and Qua Russaw, all while trying to restore the position’s former explosiveness.
Line of scrimmage transformation
Adrian Klemm, the offensive line coach, is tasked with reviving a ground game that has struggled for balance in recent seasons. With a promising mix of returning starters and highly touted freshmen, Klemm’s scheme aims to open lanes for the backfield and give the quarterback more time to operate.
Special teams reshuffle
Jay Nunez, now in charge of special teams, faces a complete overhaul of his unit. Personnel turnover has reshaped the kicker, punter and return groups, and Nunez must identify reliable options while integrating newcomers like Cole Adams and Blake Doud into key roles.
The common thread among these five assistants is the pressure to translate potential into production. Success could cement Alabama’s status as a perennial contender, while missteps might open the door for rivals to close the gap. As spring practice unfolds, each coach’s decisions will be watched closely by fans, analysts and the coaching staff alike.