Alabama’s offensive line is getting a fresh start - and a familiar face to some - as the Crimson Tide are expected to bring in Adrian Klemm as their new offensive line coach for the 2026 season. The hire fills a key spot on Kalen DeBoer’s staff following the departure of Chris Kapilovic, and it signals a clear intent: get the Tide’s O-line back to its bruising, dominant identity.
Let’s break down what Klemm brings to the table and why this move could be pivotal for Alabama’s offensive rebuild.
A Familiar Connection in Tuscaloosa
While Klemm hasn’t coached in the SEC before, he’s not walking into completely unfamiliar territory. Back in 2012-2013, he and Alabama’s current general manager, Courtney Morgan, were on the same UCLA staff - Klemm as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator, Morgan as the director of player development.
That connection may have helped pave the way for this reunion in Tuscaloosa, but Klemm’s résumé stands on its own. After his time at UCLA, he stuck around through 2016 before heading to the NFL. Morgan, meanwhile, ventured into the private sector before rejoining the college football world.
Now, the two are back on the same sideline, tasked with helping DeBoer reshape a team that, by Alabama standards, fell short in the trenches last season.
A Deep NFL Pedigree
Klemm’s football journey started on the field. A standout at Hawaii under June Jones, he was a second-round pick in the 2000 NFL Draft.
He landed with the New England Patriots just as the Belichick-Brady dynasty was getting started, and walked away with three Super Bowl rings during his stint in Foxboro. He wrapped up his playing career with the Packers in 2005.
But it’s his coaching path that makes him particularly intriguing for Alabama. Klemm broke into the college ranks at SMU in 2008, and after his time at UCLA, he made the jump to the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. He spent two seasons as the assistant offensive line coach before taking over the lead role in 2021.
From there, it was a brief but notable stop at Oregon, where he served as offensive line coach, run game coordinator, and assistant head coach - a trifecta of responsibilities that speaks to his leadership and schematic value. He returned to the Patriots in 2023 as Belichick’s final offensive line coach before stepping away from coaching in 2024.
Last season, he re-emerged as an analyst under Lincoln Riley at USC, giving him a year to recalibrate and study the game from a different vantage point. Now, he’s back in the spotlight - and with a major challenge ahead.
Rebuilding the Trenches
There’s no sugarcoating it: Alabama’s offensive line struggled in 2025. The run game never found its rhythm, and the issues came to a head with underwhelming performances in both the SEC Championship and the Rose Bowl. For a program that prides itself on physical dominance, especially up front, that simply won’t cut it.
Klemm’s first job? Find five guys who can gel - and fast.
The Tide are losing nearly their entire starting line. Kam Dewberry, Jaeden Roberts, and Geno VanDeMark have exhausted their eligibility.
Parker Brailsford and Kadyn Proctor declared early for the NFL Draft. Wilkin Formby transferred to Texas A&M.
That’s six names gone, leaving rising sophomore right tackle Michael Carroll as the lone returning starter.
Carroll flashed real promise last season, especially as the year went on. He’ll be a foundational piece, but the rest of the puzzle is wide open.
Klemm will likely lean on a mix of untested talent and transfer portal additions. Cal Poly center Racin Delgatty and Mississippi State tackle Jayvin James are among the newcomers, while young players like Jackson Lloyd and Will Sanders will be competing for bigger roles. Michigan transfers Ty Haywood and Kaden Strayhorn also figure into the rotation.
One key area Klemm could immediately impact: stability. Alabama rotated heavily up front last season, often out of necessity. If Klemm can establish a consistent starting five - even if it takes a few weeks to find the right combination - it could bring much-needed cohesion to an offense that’s also breaking in a new quarterback and several fresh faces at the skill positions.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just about technique or scheme - though Klemm brings plenty of both. It’s about identity.
Alabama’s offensive line has long been a tone-setter, a group that imposes its will. That edge was missing in 2025.
With Klemm’s NFL experience, college chops, and prior success in developing linemen, the hope in Tuscaloosa is that he can restore that edge.
It won’t be easy. The roster turnover is significant, and the SEC isn’t exactly forgiving. But if Klemm can tap into his run game expertise and get this group playing with purpose, Alabama’s offense could look a whole lot more like the powerhouse fans have come to expect.
This is a big hire - and a big opportunity. Now it’s up to Klemm to deliver.