Alabama hires Steele, Stevenson for support staff

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama coach Nick Saban has hired former Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele as director of player personnel and high school coach Kerry Stevenson as director of player development.

Saban announced the hiring Thursday of Steele to direct recruiting efforts, assists with camps and clinics and handle other administrative and operational duties for the two-time defending national champions.

Steele was Clemson's defensive coordinator from 2009-11 but stepped down after Clemson allowed a bowl-record 70 points in an Orange Bowl loss to West Virginia. The former Baylor head coach worked with defensive coordinator Kirby Smart as Alabama's defensive head coach in 2007 and 2008.

"He did an excellent job here previously, and he knows our program from a recruiting standpoint as well as anyone," Saban said. "His organizational skills and people skills make him a perfect fit for this role. As recruiting in college football has evolved through the years, this position is one of the most important on our staff."

Steele's coaching stops include Florida State, Nebraska and the NFL's Carolina Panthers.

"I've worked at some great schools through the years, and nobody does it better than coach Saban when it comes to running a program top to bottom," he said. "I've got family in the state and we love Tuscaloosa, so we are thrilled to be back."

Stevenson spent the past 10 years as head coach at Vigor in Prichard, Ala., going 15-0 and winning a state title in 2008.

Stevenson's main focus will be off-the-field activities of Alabama players.

He coached current Alabama players Jalston Fowler and Marvin Shinn.