Alabama Set To Add Coleman Hutzler to Coaching Staff

It appears the Crimson Tide could have another coaching overhaul this offseason.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama is not done making moves with its coaching staff. Minutes after reports surfaced that Travaris Robinson was set to become Alabama’s next cornerbacks coach, it appears as though the Crimson Tide is also hiring Ole Miss special teams coordinator Coleman Hutzler.

Hutzler updated his Twitter profile Wednesday night, stating that he is now Alabama’s special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach. It’s currently not clear how Hutzler’s hiring will shake up the rest of the Crimson Tide’s coaching staff. Drew Svoboda took over Alabama’s special teams/tight ends coaching role last season while Sal Sunseri currently serves as the Tide’s outside linebacking coach.

Hutzler, a Las Vegas native, spent the last season as Ole Miss’ special teams coordinator after serving as the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Texas in 2020. Before that, he coached special teams and linebackers at South Carolina (2016-19), Boston College (2015), Florida (2014, 2010-11) and New Mexico (2012-13).

Hutzler led a solid special teams unit last season. Ole Miss averaged 21.17 yards per kick return this past season while holding their opponents to 20.59 yards per attempt. Punter Mac Brown averaged 44.4 yards per boot while the Rebels limited their opponents 4.47 yards per return. Ole Miss ranked No. 18 in the nation, averaging 11.63 yards on eight punt returns. Ole Miss kickers Caden Costa and Cale Nation combined to make 15 of 20 field-goal attempts.

During his lone season as a defensive coordinator, Hutzler’s Texas defense ranked tied for ninth nationally on fourth down, limiting opponents to a 33.3 conversion rate. He also coached consensus All-American Joseph Ossai, who ranked tied for third in the nation with 16 tackles for a loss.

In 2017, Hutzler was nominated for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant. During his time at South Carolina, he coached punter Joseph Charlton, who earned second-team All-SEC honors on his way to setting the school record in punting average and ranking second in the nation at 47.7 yards per punt. Hutzler also coached Deebo Samuel, who tallied a Gamecock-record four kickoff returns for a touchdown in his career.

Before entering coaching, Hutzler played linebacker at Middlebury College in Vermont from 2002-05. He was a team captain as a senior and left the program second in career tackles.