Kevin Steele Excited to be Back at Alabama, Keeping Process Consistent

Returning Alabama defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is excited to be back, and he's keeping things consistent as he returns to the program once more.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— When the dust settled around Alabama's search for a new defensive coordinator following the offseason departure of Pete Golding, a familiar name emerged as the next man for the job. Kevin Steele, who had two prior stints at the Capstone from 2007-08 and 2013-14, is back for another ride on Nick Saban's staff. For Steele, it's a familiar environment, and he is soaking in the opportunity to be back.

"[I'm] excited to be back at Alabama. It's a very, very special place, for a lot of reasons," Steele said. "The commitment to excellence that touches us on a daily basis, no matter what it is, it's unparalleled. It's exciting to be back."

The veteran coach said that the process within the program remains in place, going back 16 years to the beginning of the Nick Saban era— one that has changed the sport forever. Since leaving the Crimson Tide the first time, Steele has served in varying roles at Clemson, LSU, Auburn, Tennessee and Miami (FL). He was Auburn's interim head coach for one game during the 2020-21 season.

"This process [at Alabama] started in '07. I was here. It hasn't gone anywhere. Obviously, offensive football has changed. It's harder on defense at this present time than maybe it's been in a long, long time. But the process is the process. That's the things [like] physical and mental toughness. Relentless effort. Dominate your opponent, and do your job." While he elaborated on some of the things that make defending today's offenses an evolving challenge, he said his group has the ability to embrace the process. "There is always an emphasis on the process that Coach Saban has of do your job: know your job, do your job. And this group has been phenomenal at embracing it."

Steele repeatedly emphasized Saban's process, stating that things that have worked for him at other stops can be tied back to his time with the Crimson Tide. He said he didn't see the call coming that preceded his return, but he is nevertheless blessed to have received it.

"It was not something I expected, but, obviously, when you get an opportunity to coach at the University of Alabama for the best coach that's ever done it— sometimes you look in the mirror and say, 'Why me?' Very blessed to be here. You couldn't ask for anything better. If you're [going to] coach college football, to coach at the University of Alabama for Coach Saban, that's what you want to do."

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