Report: Alabama Defensive Coordinator Expected to Retire

The veteran defensive coach was on his third stint working for Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa.

The college football offseason is always a time of transition in Tuscaloosa and this year is no different from the past. Alabama head coach Nick Saban will need to fill a large vacancy on his staff this offseason, according to a report by Chris Low of ESPN.

Low reported on Monday night that Alabama Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kevin Steele plans on retiring. 

Steele spent 40 years in college coaching and 12 of them as a defensive coordinator at various universities. His retirement concludes his third stint on the Alabama Crimson Tide staff under Saban. He was on Saban's original staff as defensive coordinator in 2007, he returned in 2013 to accept an off-field role and just concluded stint number three.

Steele returned to Tuscaloosa this past spring to take over for then departing defensive coordinator Pete Golding. His unit finished No. 18 in defense nationally, allowing 316 yards per game. 

The 65-year old played his college football at Tennessee and has had stints all over the Southeastern Conference with Alabama, Auburn, Tennesseee as well as LSU.

"I'm enjoying it. I feel like I've got something to give. If that ever goes away or it's dissipating or hurting the program, then I've got a boat," said Steele to the media at the Rose Bowl. 

It's important to note that given Steele's various stints in the state of Alabama qualifies him for vested retirement status. 

He's the third coach to leave the program this offseason, following Coleman Hutzler who left for Mississippi State and Holmon Wiggins who departed for Texas A&M. 

Saban now must replace his defensive coordinator for the second straight season. The new hire will make Saban's sixth defensive coordinator during his time in Tuscaloosa. 

This story will be updated.

Alabama Player's Parents Making News on The Joe Gaither Show