It did not end the way he wanted it to, but Kevin Steele accomplished what he came to do at Alabama.
He restored the toughness, energy, competitive fire, and a level of respect to the Crimson Tide’s defense.
RELATED: REPORT: Alabama defensive coordinator Kevin Steele plans to retire
Alabama played with more confidence in one season under Steele than five years with Pete Golding. Steele, 65, coached Alabama to a Southeastern Conference Championship and returned it to the College Football Playoff. Chris Low of ESPN reported Monday that Steele plans to retire from coaching. He’s invested 10 years in the state of Alabama, which started in 2007 as he was the Tide’s defensive coordinator, so now he earns the state retirement pension. Tide fans appreciated what Steele did for its team in one season. They wished him the best on social media as he enters retirement after becoming an SEC Championship last season.
Kevin Steele retiring isn’t much of a shock, only needed one year to get Alabama pension. I’m sure Saban knew.
Gotta think to keep Trob you have to elevate him. Have heard Trob was a huge part of game planning and huge with in game adjustments, so we’ll see what happens.
— Austin Randolph (@austinsrandolph) January 9, 2024
Thanks Coach Steele for the past season. Excellent
— KC (@KC_sonshine) January 9, 2024
Thanks, coach. #RollTide
— Crimson Blood 🥋 (@CrimsonBlood81) January 9, 2024
Thank You Coach Steele.👍🏾💯👏🏾👌🏾
— HmanJess66 (@HmanJess66) January 9, 2024
Thank you Coach for everything you did for Alabama
— Rome Bova🥋🐘🐘🐘 (@RomeBova) January 9, 2024
Thanks, Coach.
— Fretmandu (@GeetarBart01) January 9, 2024
That’s a big loss D really played well under him.
— BB (@HockeyByDaBay) January 9, 2024
#RollTide https://t.co/TO7ILZkNM3
— @ElliottBrettM72 (@elliottbrettm72) January 9, 2024
Sheesh we can’t keep a coordinator to save our lives https://t.co/yl90hTWSnW
— grant🐘 (@cghgrant) January 9, 2024
We will see who Alabama hires or elevates from within to replace Steele.
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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.
