Colin Hitschler’s Tenure at Alabama Ends After One Season

In a report published Friday morning by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, it was revealed that Alabama Crimson Tide’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Colin Hitschler will not be returning for the 2025 season. The decision marks the conclusion of Hitschler’s brief tenure in Tuscaloosa, where he held dual roles on the coaching staff.

A Short-Lived Stint at Alabama

Hitschler joined Alabama for the 2024 season, taking on the roles of co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. He shared responsibilities in coaching the defensive backs with his counterpart, Maurice Linguist, another co-defensive coordinator on the team. Despite his title, Hitschler did not play a primary role in calling defensive plays for the Crimson Tide. That responsibility remained in the hands of Kane Wommack, Alabama’s current defensive coordinator.

While Hitschler’s contributions as a co-defensive coordinator helped shape the defensive unit, his time with Alabama was limited to one season, making his departure somewhat surprising to observers. His tenure at Alabama was expected to build upon his prior experience and achievements at other programs, but it seems the university has chosen to go in a different direction for the upcoming season.

Coaching Background Before Alabama

Before arriving at Alabama, Colin Hitschler built a solid reputation in college football, earning coaching roles at multiple programs. However, he was not part of the group of assistant coaches that head coach Kalen DeBoer brought with him to Alabama. Instead, Hitschler arrived in Tuscaloosa after spending the 2023 season with the Wisconsin Badgers.

During his time in Madison, Hitschler served as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the Badgers. His work with the defensive backs and safeties at Wisconsin earned him recognition for his strategic insights and ability to develop players. The 2023 season with the Badgers was a crucial step in his coaching journey, showcasing his capability to manage a defense at the highest levels of college football.

Hitschler’s coaching résumé extends beyond Wisconsin, with stops at several other programs. Before his time with the Badgers, he served as an assistant coach at Cincinnati and South Alabama, among other schools. These experiences allowed him to gain a diverse understanding of defensive schemes and player development, laying the foundation for his subsequent roles.

Highlights of His Career

Hitschler’s career in college football coaching has been marked by steady progress through the ranks, with opportunities to mentor and guide young athletes at various institutions. At Cincinnati, he contributed to the development of a defense that consistently ranked among the best in its conference. His time at South Alabama provided him with additional experience in building a competitive defensive unit, further enhancing his coaching skill set.

The 2023 season with Wisconsin was arguably one of the more pivotal moments in his career. As co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, Hitschler played a key role in crafting a defense that emphasized discipline and physicality. His ability to connect with players and communicate complex defensive strategies effectively made him a valuable asset to the Badgers’ coaching staff.

The Role at Alabama

When Hitschler joined the Crimson Tide, he was tasked with helping maintain Alabama’s reputation for excellence on defense. The program, led by head coach Nick Saban, has long been known for its defensive dominance, producing numerous NFL-caliber players over the years. Hitschler’s experience with defensive backs and his familiarity with high-level competition seemed to align well with the program’s goals.

Working alongside Maurice Linguist, Hitschler focused on refining the skills of Alabama’s defensive backs, a critical position group in the modern game of football. With offenses becoming increasingly pass-heavy, the ability to develop a secondary capable of shutting down opposing receivers is paramount. However, despite his contributions, Hitschler’s role as a co-defensive coordinator did not include play-calling responsibilities, limiting his direct influence on the overall defensive strategy.

Reasons for the Change

While the exact reasons for Hitschler’s departure have not been disclosed, several factors may have contributed to the decision. Coaching transitions in college football are not uncommon, especially at programs like Alabama, where expectations are exceptionally high. Performance, chemistry within the coaching staff, and alignment with the program’s long-term vision all play a role in such decisions.

It’s also worth noting that Alabama’s defensive unit is under constant scrutiny, given the program’s storied history and the level of talent it attracts. Even minor shortcomings can lead to changes in the coaching staff, as the Crimson Tide strives to maintain its position as a perennial contender for national championships.

What’s Next for Hitschler?

Hitschler’s coaching career is far from over, and his departure from Alabama opens the door to new opportunities. With a résumé that includes experience at multiple high-profile programs, he is likely to attract interest from other teams looking to bolster their defensive coaching staff. Whether he returns to a similar role as a co-defensive coordinator or explores opportunities as a head coach remains to be seen.

The skills and knowledge Hitschler has accumulated over the years will undoubtedly serve him well in his next endeavor. His ability to develop players, implement defensive schemes, and adapt to different coaching environments makes him a valuable asset in the world of college football.

Implications for Alabama

For Alabama, Hitschler’s departure marks the beginning of a search for a replacement who can meet the program’s high standards. The Crimson Tide’s defensive unit has been a cornerstone of its success under Nick Saban, and finding the right coach to continue that tradition will be a top priority.

The new hire will need to seamlessly integrate into the coaching staff, contribute to the development of players, and uphold Alabama’s defensive identity. Given the program’s reputation and resources, it’s likely that Alabama will attract top-tier candidates for the position.

Final Thoughts

Colin Hitschler’s one-season tenure at Alabama may have been brief, but it adds another chapter to his evolving coaching career. From his early days as an assistant coach to his time as a co-defensive coordinator at Wisconsin and Alabama, Hitschler has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for the game.

While his departure signals a change for both Hitschler and the Crimson Tide, it also underscores the dynamic nature of college football coaching. For Alabama, the focus now shifts to finding a replacement who can help the program maintain its defensive prowess. Meanwhile, Hitschler will look to the future, ready to bring his experience and expertise to his next coaching challenge.