Is it time for Nick Saban to start reinvesting in the University of Alabama football program with players he coached?
He started with having Josh Chapman and Denzel Devall on staff, and now Jamey Mosley has joined as a graduate assistant.
RELATED: Former Tide LB Shaun Dion Hamilton to coach defensive backs in Reese’s Senior Bowl
Vinnie Sunseri, Javier Arenas, and Glen Coffee came back to help, but none stayed long.
Ha’Sean “Ha Ha” Clinton-Dix is returning to the Crimson Tide in a player development role; however, who else could Coach Saban bring to have energy in the house? He needs to consider having Shaun Dion Hamilton for his defensive coaching staff.
Hamilton, 27, is a native of Montgomery, Ala. He was a star athlete in football for Carver High School, and Saban recruited him as a linebacker for the Tide.
Hamilton played from 2014 to 2017 as a four-star prospect, helping the team to three Southeastern Conference Championships (2014-16) and two College Football Playoff National Championships (2015 and 2017). He endured injuries during his tenure, but Hamilton displayed toughness, physicality, discipline, hard work, and high intelligence. He focuses on small details and works to bring together a finished product. Hamilton joined the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff in 2022 after getting cut from the team.
Dan Campbell, head coach of the Lions, saw Hamilton’s value as a coach and wanted him to help the players.
RELATED: Former Alabama DL Da’Ron Payne added to NFL Pro Bowl roster
Hamilton helped the Lions to a winning season (9-8) and nearly a berth in the NFL playoffs as a defensive assistant. He is changing the narrative in Detroit, but Saban can use a piece from his dominant defenses to restore respect. Hamilton played in Saban’s process, saw it work for him with two national championships, and it put him in the National Football League.
He would give his former college coach a young, innovative mind to work with on defense. Hamilton would bring schemes from the pros that could help Saban get the Alabama defense back to an elite style. If Alabama wants to be Alabama again, Saban needs to reinvest in the program by getting former players on staff.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
