Kalen DeBoer Pulls Key Coach From Oklahoma Staff

Kalen DeBoer's strategic addition of a defensive line coach from Oklahoma marks a pivotal move for Alabama's evolving football program.

Kristy Curry's New Chapter at USF

In a surprising turn of events, Kristy Curry, a seasoned coach with 554 career wins, has left Alabama to take the helm at South Florida's women's basketball program. This move comes just days after USF's men's basketball coach, Bryan Hodgson, departed for Providence, marking a significant shift in the Bulls' coaching landscape.

Curry's impressive resume includes being one of only ten collegiate women's basketball coaches to notch at least 100 wins at three different programs. During her 13-year tenure at Alabama, she led the Crimson Tide to 245 victories and guided them to the NCAA Tournament in five of the last six seasons. This past season, Alabama posted a 24-11 record, narrowly losing to Louisville by a single point in the NCAA Tournament's second round.

Despite operating with the lowest budget for women's basketball in the SEC, Curry transformed Alabama's program, breaking a 13-year tournament drought and securing four consecutive appearances. Her new role at USF presents an opportunity to compete for conference titles in the AAC, while Alabama looks to build on the foundation she established.

Nate Oats and the North Carolina Buzz

The basketball world is buzzing with news that Hubert Davis has been let go as North Carolina's head coach. This development inevitably puts Alabama's Nate Oats in the spotlight.

Known for his offensive acumen and a Final Four appearance, Oats has made Alabama a force, reaching the second weekend of the tournament in four of the last five seasons. His knack for creating dynamic offenses and developing talent like lottery pick Brandon Miller makes him an attractive candidate for the prestigious UNC job.

Currently, though, Oats is focused on Alabama's upcoming challenge against Michigan. Speaking on his 'Hey Coach' radio show, Oats acknowledged the underdog status of his team, emphasizing the importance of playing loose and embracing the challenge of facing a top-ranked opponent.

Alabama Football's Defensive Additions

On the gridiron, Alabama is bolstering its defensive coaching staff by bringing in Trent Simpson from Oklahoma as an assistant defensive line coach. Simpson, who has spent the last four seasons with the Sooners, will join forces with Alabama's defensive line coach Freddie Roach. With a strong track record at Oklahoma, Simpson's addition is expected to enhance the Crimson Tide's defensive front under coordinator Kane Wommack.

Quarterback Competition and Defensive Standouts

As Alabama's spring practice continues, the quarterback competition remains a hot topic. Tight end Kaleb Edwards, who has a history with quarterback Austin Mack, refrained from picking sides between Mack and Keelon Russell, noting their hard work and determination.

On defense, cornerback Zabien Brown praised teammate Dijon Lee's development. Lee, who shined in Alabama's final five games of the 2025 season, is poised for a breakout year. With impressive stats, including 34 tackles and two interceptions, Lee's potential is sky-high, and Brown is eager to see how his teammate's game continues to evolve.

Tua Tagovailoa's Comeback Mindset

In the NFL, Tua Tagovailoa is determined to bounce back after a challenging 2025 season. With a noticeable dip in his performance metrics, Tagovailoa is candid about needing to elevate his game.

Conversations with veteran quarterbacks have provided him with valuable insights, and he's committed to returning to the form that earned him his new contract. His focus is clear: play better football and reignite the fun in the game.