The Alabama Crimson Tide is in the market for a new offensive line coach, and while head coach Kalen DeBoer isn’t expected to rush the decision, fans already have a clear favorite: former Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman.
Pittman, who was let go by Arkansas early in the 2025 season after a 2-3 start, may not have a sparkling win-loss record as a head coach, but his reputation in the trenches is rock solid. Few coaches in college football are as respected for their work with offensive linemen.
Across decades of coaching stops-including Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Georgia-Pittman has built a résumé as both a technician and a mentor. He’s known not just for developing NFL-ready linemen, but for the relationships he builds and the culture he brings to a room.
That’s exactly the kind of presence that can stabilize and elevate a unit.
At 64, Pittman has publicly said he’s content in retirement, and it’s unclear how open he’d be to jumping back into the grind. But if the fire still burns, Alabama wouldn’t be the only program interested. His name carries weight across the college football landscape, and his track record speaks for itself.
Another intriguing possibility for DeBoer is Scott Huff, a familiar face from his Washington days. Huff’s offensive line in 2023 was the engine behind one of the most explosive passing attacks in the country.
That group took home the Joe Moore Award, given to the best offensive line in college football-a testament to their cohesion and protection skills. Huff was originally expected to follow DeBoer to Tuscaloosa, but opted for the NFL instead, coaching the Seahawks’ offensive line in 2024 before shifting to tight ends with the Rams in 2025.
If DeBoer can lure Huff back to the college game, it would be a reunion built on trust and proven success. Huff’s lines at Washington weren’t just good-they were elite in pass protection.
In 2023, the Huskies threw the ball 574 times over 15 games and still finished sixth in the FBS in fewest sacks allowed. That’s a staggering level of efficiency and discipline, especially in today’s pass-happy landscape.
Neither Pittman nor Huff would be expected to turn Alabama into a ground-and-pound offense overnight. That’s not DeBoer’s style.
His system leans on a balanced attack, where the run game complements a dynamic passing game rather than leading the charge. But both coaches bring traits that could mesh well with that philosophy.
Pittman’s lines are known for their toughness and physicality, while Huff’s are polished in pass sets and adaptable in tempo.
Whoever gets the nod, the hire will be a pivotal one. Alabama’s offensive line play in 2026 will go a long way in determining how far this team can go in DeBoer’s second season.
With the right coach guiding the big men up front, the Crimson Tide could take a major step forward-not just in execution, but in identity. This isn’t just about filling a vacancy.
It’s about setting the tone for the next era of Alabama football.