Kalen DeBoer isn’t wasting any time reshaping Alabama’s coaching staff after a season that fell short of the Crimson Tide’s sky-high standards. One of the most notable moves so far? A shakeup in the trenches.
After two seasons in Tuscaloosa, offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic is out-a decision that, while not shocking, speaks volumes about how DeBoer views the importance of that unit moving forward. Alabama’s offensive line struggled down the stretch in 2026, and in a program where physical dominance up front is part of the DNA, that simply wasn’t going to fly.
Enter Adrian Klemm.
According to multiple reports, Alabama is set to bring in the former USC staffer as its new offensive line coach. And make no mistake-this is a hire that carries weight.
Klemm brings a deep and diverse résumé to the table. A former second-round NFL Draft pick and seven-year league veteran, he’s been around the block both as a player and a coach.
His coaching journey has taken him from the college ranks at SMU and Oregon to the NFL sidelines with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots. Most recently, he served as an offensive analyst at USC under Lincoln Riley in 2025, giving him a front-row seat to one of the more innovative offensive minds in the game.
What makes Klemm an intriguing fit in Tuscaloosa is his blend of pro-level experience and college recruiting chops. He’s coached in systems that emphasize physicality and tempo, and he knows what it takes to develop linemen who can thrive at the next level. That’s a crucial piece for Alabama, which continues to reload with elite talent but needs to get more consistent production out of its front five.
There’s no sugarcoating it-Alabama’s offensive line didn’t hold up its end of the bargain late in the 2026 season. Protection broke down too often, and the run game lacked the push we’ve come to expect from a Tide unit.
That’s not just a coaching issue-it’s a development issue. And that’s exactly where Klemm’s experience could pay off.
He’s coached in the trenches at every level and understands how to mold raw talent into NFL-ready linemen. That’s the expectation at Alabama, and it’s clear DeBoer believes Klemm is the guy to get the Tide back to that standard.
This hire also signals a broader theme in DeBoer’s approach: he’s not just looking for names-he’s looking for fits. Klemm brings a mentality and pedigree that align with what Alabama football is all about: toughness, discipline, and execution in the most physically demanding part of the game.
Now, the real work begins. Klemm will be tasked with not only improving technique and cohesion up front but also helping to reestablish the identity of Alabama’s offense. Because if the Tide are going to get back to contending for national titles, it’s going to start in the trenches.
And with Adrian Klemm now in the fold, the foundation is being laid for a new era of physicality in Tuscaloosa.