Kalen DeBoer retained two of the best recruiters to remain on the University of Alabama coaching staff and promoted them.

Freddie Roach is now the associate head coach and Robert Gillespie is an assistant head coach. Both will still operate their positions with defensive linemen and running backs, but DeBoer sees the marquee value in both. Coach DeBoer showered Gillespie and Roach with praises on social media. He looks at both as 'great coaches' and 'even better people.'

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He sees both as proven leaders on the coaching staff.

2 great coaches and even better people! Proven leaders who have been amazing to work with since day 1! Their impact on @AlabamaFTBL is already been great, but excited about what is yet to come! #RollTide https://t.co/f5e736y6A2

— Kalen DeBoer (@KalenDeBoer) February 19, 2024

Gillespie has three of his top five running backs from 2023 with Justice Haynes, Jam Miller, and Richard Young.

Roach graduates Justin Eboigbe to the NFL Draft and lost two names to the NCAA transfer portal (Isaiah Hastings, Anquin Barnes Jr.), but he returns significant leadership. Tim Kennan III, Tim Smith, Jaheim Oatis, and Jah-Marien Latham are back.

It will be exciting to see the growth of both coaches in spring practice.

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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.