It's been a tumultuous offseason for the entire Alabama football community, but especially the offensive coaching staff. When Karen DeBoer took over for Nick Saban, he initially brought in offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and offensive line coach Scott Huff.
Then I got a call from the NFL. Mr. Grubb and Mr. Huff left for jobs with the Seattle Seahawks, leading to further upheaval in Tuscaloosa. DeBoer returned to work and, barring further departures, will be on the field staff for the 2024 season.
Here's what you need to know about each member of the offensive on-field coaching staff.
nick sheridan
Sheridan was promoted after serving as Alabama's tight ends coach with DeBoer. Following Grubb's departure, the Crimson Tide announced that Grubb would serve as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the 2024 season.
“Joining Coach DeBoer at Alabama is a great opportunity,” Sheridan said in a UA release. “I look forward to working with this offensive staff and developing a plan each week to help lead our team to success. Alabama has an unparalleled tradition and we are committed to maintaining that standard as we develop our players.” I understand the importance.”
Sheridan has experience as an offensive coordinator and took over the OC job from DeBoer at Indiana when DeBoer took the head coaching position at Fresno State. He served in the role for two seasons in Bloomington.
He then went on to coach the Huskies' tight ends under DeBoer. Sheridan's other coaching stops included Tennessee, Western Kentucky and Southern Florida.
Sheridan played college football at the University of Michigan as quarterback for the Wolverines from 2006 to 2010.
Jamarcus Shepard
Another coach from Washington, Shepard, also opted for a title change after Grubb left. He is currently the Tide's wide receivers coach, as well as assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator.
“I have a passion for coaching and developing soccer players on and off the field,” Shepard said in a UA release. “The chance to help Coach DeBoer maintain the standards at the University of Alabama is something I am extremely proud of and strive to achieve. This is a special place and our I’m excited about the opportunities in front of me.”
Shepard led an outstanding receiving core for the Huskies. Roman Odunze, in particular, is one of the best players in college football, with 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.
He previously coached under Jeff Brohm at Purdue. Shepherd also worked in western Kentucky and Washington state.
He played as a wide receiver at DePauw University.
Robert Gillespie
DeBoer was clinging to two members of Nick Saban's coaching staff. One is Freddie Roach, who coaches the defensive line, and the other is Gillespie, who plays running backs for the Crimson Tide.
“After meeting with these two, it was very clear that keeping Freddie and G on our staff is critical to our success,” DeBoer said in a press release announcing his retention. “They have great relationships with their players, are excellent recruiters and have proven to be some of the best coaches in the country.”
Gillespie arrived in Tuscaloosa before the 2021 season. He was promoted to assistant head coach by DeBoer.
His previous coaching stints include North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. He played as a running back at Florida before having a brief NFL career at Washington.
Chris Kapilovich
With Huff's departure, DeBoer was required to take on the role of offensive line coach. He focused on Chris Kapilovich, who joined after a short stint at Baylor.
The school has not yet officially announced the hiring. However, Kapilovic updated his social media about his new position at Alabama.
Kapilovic was announced as Baylor's new offensive line coach in December. He spent the past four seasons coaching the same position at Michigan State.
He brought his offensive coordinator experience to the role, having held that job at the University of North Carolina before going to Michigan State. His previous coaching credits include Southern Miss, Missouri State, and Alabama.
brian ellis
With Sheridan promoted to offensive coordinator, DeBoer was moved to fill the tight ends coach position. He found his man at Georgia Southern, where Ellis worked as the Eagles' offensive coordinator.
Like Kapilovic, the Crimson Tide has not yet announced his hiring, but Ellis has changed his social media profiles and handles to reflect his role at UA. He spent two seasons at GS before coming to Tuscaloosa, working under head coach Clay Helton.
Prior to joining the Eagles, Ellis served in various roles at Western Kentucky during two stints at Bowling Green, including a season as WKU's offensive coordinator. He also coached at USC during Helton's tenure and coached quarterbacks in his final season with the Trojans.
Ellis may be familiar to fans around Alabama, having played quarterback at UAB from 2007 to 2011. He began his coaching career in college as a graduate assistant with the Blazers.
