One thing Alabama football fans are excited about is the return of a fearsome defense.
After five years of issues under Pete Golding, Nick Saban hired Kevin Steele back to the Crimson Tide to restore the defense.
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Steele, 65, had the Auburn Tigers ranked one of the best defensive groups in the nation as a defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2020. He put several players in the National Football League, including some first-rounders. He has brought the aggressive toughness back to Alabama’s locker room. Many players, including defensive back Malachi Moore, have discussed Steele’s impact since his return to Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama fans saw his impact in the spring game. Players were flying to the ball, making sound decisions, playing at full speed, and creating plays. The defense forced turnovers and made things difficult for the offense.
Pro Football Focus, a national media site, released its projections for the top 10 defensive coordinators in college football for the upcoming fall. On3, another media site, shared the information. Golding, who is now at Ole Miss, made the list at No. 9, but Steele’s name was not on there. Lane Kiffin, the head coach of Ole Miss, questioned why Steele did not make the list.
Kevin Steele?? @AlabamaFTBL https://t.co/DJdzGBWU1r
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) May 11, 2023
Steele will have an opportunity to silence people for himself. He has a unit full of hunger and talent that wants to be great.
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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.
