Alabama Football Offseason News: Staff Changes, Roster Updates, Recruitment, and the Transfer Portal

As the Alabama Crimson Tide football program moves into the 2025 offseason, there is plenty to discuss. Head coach Nick Saban’s program is consistently among the top contenders in college football, and this year is no different. With changes on the coaching staff, updates on the roster, a bustling recruitment process, and the ongoing impact of the transfer portal, the offseason is as important as ever for the future success of the Tide. Here, Alabama football analysts break down the most significant offseason developments.

Staff Changes: New Faces and Departures

One of the most significant aspects of the offseason for any powerhouse program is the coaching staff. Saban, a master at both in-game adjustments and roster management, has made several strategic moves to bolster his coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season.

1. Offensive Coordinator Transition:

After the departure of Bill O’Brien, the offensive coordinator role is one of the most critical in the program. O’Brien, who had been with Alabama since 2021, took a job in the NFL, and Alabama needed to fill the void. Analysts were not surprised when Alabama hired Tommy Rees, the former Notre Dame offensive coordinator, to lead the offense. Rees, known for his balanced offensive approach, will be tasked with continuing to develop Alabama’s already potent offense while integrating a more dynamic passing game.

Rees is expected to bring a fresh, more innovative approach, particularly in the passing game, and his ability to develop quarterbacks could be a game-changer for Alabama’s future. Rees’s hiring is seen as a calculated decision by Saban, who appreciates his ability to adapt and evolve the offense, particularly in a high-stakes SEC environment.

2. Defensive Changes:

On the defensive side, Alabama’s defense will still be under the guidance of Kevin Steele, a veteran coach who has been with Saban’s staff in various roles. Steele, who has coached at both the collegiate and professional levels, is known for his aggressive defensive schemes. With Alabama’s defense still one of the top units in the country, Steele’s role is pivotal, especially with several key players moving on to the NFL Draft.

Though Steele’s unit performed well during the 2024 season, there’s a significant emphasis on bolstering the pass rush and secondary to stay competitive in an SEC where offenses are increasingly high-powered. Analysts suggest Steele’s experience and familiarity with the culture at Alabama should allow him to maintain continuity while adjusting to new challenges.

3. Position Coaches and Support Staff:

There have also been updates to position coaching staff, with notable changes in areas like the offensive line and wide receiver coaching positions. Alabama’s offensive line, historically one of the best in the nation, will benefit from the hiring of Eric Wolford as the new O-line coach. Wolford’s previous success with Kentucky’s offensive line should help Alabama reload and continue its strong ground attack.

At the wide receiver position, Saban promoted a current assistant coach to elevate the level of play in a group that is looking to step up after the loss of several playmakers to the NFL. The wide receivers’ coaching changes are vital for Alabama, which needs to find consistent playmakers alongside the talented quarterback room.

Roster Updates: Key Players Returning and Departures

Alabama football has always maintained a deep and talented roster, and the 2025 offseason is no different. While the team loses some major contributors, it is also set to return many key players who could shape the program’s success in the coming year.

1. Quarterback Battle:

As of early January, Alabama’s quarterback battle is still up in the air, but all eyes are on sophomore Jalen Milroe. Milroe showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, particularly with his dual-threat ability, but analysts caution that Milroe needs to improve his passing consistency. Should Milroe take the reins as the starting quarterback, Alabama’s offense will likely see a dynamic shift toward more quarterback-driven run options, which could open up more opportunities for the offensive playmakers.

However, the quarterback competition is not entirely locked in, and analysts point to the incoming five-star recruit, Dylan Raiola, as a player who could push for early playing time. Raiola, the No. 1 ranked quarterback in the 2025 class, is expected to be a major addition to Alabama’s quarterback room, and depending on his development, he could eventually take over the starting role.

2. Wide Receiver Room:

Alabama’s wide receiver corps will experience some significant turnover after the departure of key players such as Jermaine Burton. However, the Tide returns talented players like Isaiah Bond and Kobe Prentice, both of whom showed promise last season. Analysts believe that if Bond and Prentice can continue to grow and develop chemistry with the quarterback, the receiving corps will be in capable hands.

Additionally, the 2025 recruiting class brings in several highly-touted wide receivers who could see early playing time, such as four-star prospects like Ryan Williams and Cole Adams. Their arrival will add depth to a position that is crucial to Alabama’s success.

3. Defensive Departures and Returners:

The defense will lose some key contributors, including linebacker Dallas Turner and safety Malachi Moore, who are both entering the NFL Draft. However, the Tide is well-equipped to reload. Key returning players such as defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis, linebacker Trezmen Marshall, and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry are expected to anchor the defense. Analysts are particularly high on McKinstry, who is seen as a future NFL prospect and one of the top cornerbacks in college football.

Saban has built his program on the strength of his defense, and with Steele’s continued leadership, analysts believe Alabama will be able to replace the departed stars and remain one of the most formidable defensive teams in the country.

Recruiting: 2025 Class and Key Targets

Alabama’s recruiting machine continues to operate at full throttle, and the 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be another star-studded group. As usual, Alabama is one of the top schools in terms of overall recruiting rankings, with key commitments from blue-chip players across the board.

1. Offensive and Defensive Line:

One of the biggest recruiting priorities for Alabama in 2025 has been to bolster both the offensive and defensive lines. The Tide has already secured commitments from several elite offensive linemen, including five-star prospects like Chase Galloway and Luke Montgomery, who are expected to have an immediate impact. Alabama has always built its foundation on the trenches, and the incoming class reflects that emphasis.

Defensively, Alabama has added several highly-ranked defensive linemen, including four-star edge rusher Eli Walker and defensive tackle Jalen Graves, both of whom could eventually develop into starters and contribute to the pass rush early in their careers.

2. Secondary Recruits:

The secondary has also been a focus for the 2025 class, with several top defensive backs committed to Alabama, including five-star cornerback Calvin “CJ” Booker and safety Tyreke Johnson. Booker, in particular, is expected to contribute early due to his high-level athleticism and ability to play in both man and zone coverage schemes.

3. The Push for Elite Quarterbacks:

As mentioned earlier, Alabama has its sights set on securing another top-tier quarterback, and Raiola’s commitment is a significant feather in Saban’s cap. Raiola’s decision to join Alabama reflects the ongoing appeal of Saban’s program, especially with the team’s history of developing quarterbacks into NFL-caliber talents.

Transfer Portal: Alabama’s Approach to the Portal

The transfer portal has become an increasingly important part of college football, and Alabama is no exception. The Tide has been strategic in using the portal to address immediate needs and fill any gaps left by departures.

1. Incoming Transfers:

Alabama has been relatively active in the transfer portal, securing a few key players who could make an immediate impact. Analysts highlight the addition of veteran wide receiver Dante Cephas from Kent State, who brings a wealth of experience and could be a key piece of the passing game. Additionally, Alabama has added depth at linebacker and defensive back through the portal, which will help ensure the team remains deep and competitive.

2. Departures via the Portal:

On the other side, Alabama has also seen a few players leave through the transfer portal. However, most of these departures were expected, as the depth chart became crowded. Alabama’s ability to handle transfers without significant losses in talent speaks to the overall depth and culture within the program.