Alabama co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Colin Hitschler will not return to the Crimson Tide next year, as confirmed by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. This news broke early on Friday, leaving fans and analysts alike buzzing about the implications for the program moving forward.
Shocking End to a Promising Season
All told, the way Alabama finished out the 2024 campaign has left a bad taste in the mouth of all Crimson Tide fans. The program seemed destined for the College Football Playoff, but a loss to Oklahoma on the road by 21 points threw a wrench into everything. They still had a shot after defeating Auburn in the Iron Bowl, but Clemson knocked the Crimson Tide to the curb by winning the ACC title, and SMU was chosen over DeBoer’s squad.
Then, Alabama suffered a shocking loss to the Michigan Wolverines by a score of 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl. They raced out to a 16-0 lead, shell-shocking the Crimson Tide and never looked back. It was a chance to end their campaign on a high note, and Alabama squandered it once again. How did a team with such a storied history find themselves in this predicament?
Defensive Struggles Under Hitschler
Evidently, head coach Kalen DeBoer was far from pleased with the way the Alabama defense played during his inaugural season in Tuscaloosa. A number of SEC opponents showcased impressive offensive performances against a historically staunch Crimson Tide defensive unit. From Georgia almost completing a historic comeback to Vanderbilt’s massive upset victory where they dropped 40 points on Alabama, it was clear that something needed to change.
In addition to Hitschler, Alabama has employed Kane Wommack as their defensive coordinator over the past season. While Wommack seems poised to return for DeBoer and company, the departure of Hitschler marks a significant shift in the coaching staff. What does this mean for the future of Alabama football?
Colin Hitschler’s Coaching Journey
The 38-year-old defensive coach was hired by DeBoer after spending 2023 with the Wisconsin Badgers. Prior to that, Hitschler spent multiple seasons with the Cincinnati Bearcats and the South Alabama Jaguars. His experience in various programs brought a wealth of knowledge to the Crimson Tide, but it appears that the results did not meet expectations.
“Sources: Alabama co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Colin Hitschler has been informed he will not return to the Crimson Tide next year,” Thamel reported via X. “He has a year remaining on his initial two-year contract.” This decision raises questions about the direction of the Alabama defense and the overall strategy moving forward.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Alabama?
Moving forward, more is going to be expected of Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The pressure is mounting, and fans are eager to see how the program will respond to this shakeup. With Hitschler out of the picture, will Alabama look to bring in fresh talent to revitalize their defensive strategy? Or will they double down on their current approach with Wommack at the helm?
The Crimson Tide has a rich history of success, and the expectations are always sky-high. Will this coaching change be the catalyst for a return to dominance in college football? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the college football landscape is always evolving, and Alabama must adapt to stay competitive.
Final Thoughts
As the dust settles from this coaching change, Alabama fans are left wondering what the future holds. The Crimson Tide has faced adversity before, and their resilience is part of what makes them a powerhouse in college football. With a new season on the horizon, the focus will shift to recruitment, training, and the overall strategy that will define Alabama’s next chapter.
Colin Hitschler just won’t be there to see it through next season, but the legacy of Alabama football continues. The Crimson Tide will look to bounce back and reclaim their spot among the elite in college football. Can they rise to the occasion? The excitement is palpable as we await the next moves in this storied program.
