Alabama’s new era under head coach Kalen DeBoer continues to take shape, and on Wednesday, the Crimson Tide made a key addition to the coaching staff. Adrian Klemm has been hired to lead the offensive line - a move that signals a clear intent to raise the standard in the trenches after a rocky 2025 season.
Klemm brings a wealth of experience to Tuscaloosa, both at the college and NFL levels. Most recently, he was a senior defensive assistant at USC in 2025, but his roots are firmly planted on the offensive side of the ball.
In 2023, he coached the New England Patriots’ offensive line under Bill Belichick, and he’s no stranger to big-time college football, having previously held positions at Oregon, UCLA, and SMU. His NFL résumé also includes a stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving him a broad and valuable perspective that should serve Alabama well.
DeBoer didn’t mince words when explaining the hire. “Adrian Klemm has a reputation for recruiting and developing players at every level,” he said. “He has a deep knowledge and passion for the game, and I know that he will be able to have an immediate impact on our program.”
That “immediate impact” is exactly what Alabama needs. The offensive line struggled mightily in 2025, averaging just 104.2 rushing yards per game and a pedestrian 3.4 yards per carry.
Those numbers simply don’t cut it in Tuscaloosa, where physical dominance at the line of scrimmage is part of the program’s DNA. Klemm replaces Chris Kapilovic, who had been in the role for two seasons but couldn’t get the unit back to its usual level of excellence.
Klemm’s track record suggests he’s more than capable of turning things around. Known for his ability to recruit and develop talent, he’s worked with some of the top offensive lines in the country. Now, he takes over a group that needs both a technical overhaul and a renewed sense of identity - and he seems ready for the challenge.
“The tradition, culture, and championship standard in Tuscaloosa is second to none,” Klemm said. “I’m excited to get to work with our players and this staff, and it feels great to be a part of the Alabama family.”
For Alabama, this isn’t just a hire - it’s a statement. DeBoer is building his staff with purpose, and bringing in a coach like Klemm shows a commitment to restoring the physical edge that has defined the Tide for so long. If Klemm can get this offensive line back to playing Alabama football - tough, disciplined, and dominant - it could be one of the most important hires of the offseason.