Alabama Football Officially Announces Promotions For Two Retained Assistants

The Crimson Tide's Freddie Roach and Robert Gillespie were both announced to have new titles as a part of Kalen DeBoer's first-year staff.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama football officially announced promotions for returning coaches Freddie Roach and Robert Gillespie on Wednesday, the two on-field coaches that head coach Kalen DeBoer retained from Nick Saban's 2023 staff.

Roach was tabbed associate head coach in addition to his title of defensive line coach. Gillespie, in addition to being the running backs coach, was named assistant head coach.

"After meeting both of these guys, it was very clear to me that keeping Freddie and G as part of the staff was going to be important to our success," DeBoer said. "These guys have great relationships with our players, are outstanding recruiters and have proven to be some of the best coaches in the country."

Gillespie is entering the fourth season of his Alabama tenure, and has coached three NFL running backs during his time in Tuscaloosa, with a possible fourth in Jase McClellan, who was recently invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.

Roach, a graduate of Alabama, is entering his fifth season with the Crimson Tide. He has sent four defensive linemen to the NFL in his tenure, and may add a fifth with Justin Eboigbe this offseason, who was also invited to the Combine along with McClellan and eight other teammates from the 2023 team. 

The financial terms of Roach's and Gillespie's contracts remain subject to approval by The Board of Trustees, however UA stated that the appropriate members of The Board of Trustees have been notified of the proposed terms for the two staffers. 

See also:

Alabama Football Assistant Coach Offseason Tracker: DeBoer Adds Secondary Coach