BREAKING NEWS: Alabama Pressured to Bring Back Jalen Hurts as Defensive Coordinator
January 5, 2025
The University of Alabama football program has long been synonymous with excellence, producing NFL stars, national championships, and unforgettable moments. Now, the Crimson Tide is at the center of a swirling controversy as pressure mounts to bring back former quarterback Jalen Hurts—not as an offensive coach or motivational leader, but as the team’s new defensive coordinator.
This unprecedented situation has sparked a heated debate within the college football community. With Alabama fans desperate to see their team return to national prominence after a lackluster 2024 season, the push for Hurts to join the coaching staff highlights the program’s unique combination of tradition, innovation, and high expectations.
The Catalyst for Change
Alabama’s 2024 campaign ended in disappointment, with the team finishing 10-3 and missing the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year. The defense, once a hallmark of Nick Saban’s teams, was uncharacteristically inconsistent, giving up critical points in key games against LSU and Georgia.
The underwhelming performance has led to significant scrutiny of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, whose schemes were criticized for being outdated and predictable. As Alabama searches for solutions, influential boosters and passionate fans have rallied around an unexpected name: Jalen Hurts.
Why Jalen Hurts?
Hurts, now a star quarterback in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, is celebrated not only for his athletic prowess but also for his leadership, work ethic, and football IQ. His story of resilience—transferring from Alabama to Oklahoma after losing his starting job to Tua Tagovailoa, then excelling at both schools—has made him a beloved figure in Crimson Tide lore.
While Hurts has no formal experience coaching defense, supporters argue that his leadership skills, knowledge of the game, and connection to the program make him a perfect fit to reinvigorate Alabama’s defense.
“Jalen Hurts understands football on a different level,” said former Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain. “He’s a guy who knows how to motivate players, adapt to situations, and inspire excellence. He could bring a fresh perspective to our defense.”
Fan and Booster Support
The movement to bring Hurts back to Tuscaloosa has gained significant traction among Alabama’s passionate fan base. Social media platforms have been flooded with hashtags like #BringBackHurts and #HurtsToBama, while influential boosters have reportedly lobbied athletic director Greg Byrne to make the unconventional hire.
“We need someone who embodies what it means to be Alabama,” said longtime booster Paul Bryant Jr. “Jalen Hurts represents toughness, intelligence, and adaptability—qualities that can translate to any role, even defensive coordinator.”
Fans have echoed similar sentiments, with many pointing to Hurts’s deep understanding of Saban’s “Process” and his ability to unify a locker room.
“Jalen Hurts isn’t just a quarterback; he’s a leader,” said Sarah Johnson, an Alabama season ticket holder. “If anyone can inspire this team and fix the defense, it’s him.”
The Challenges of Transitioning Roles
Despite the excitement surrounding the idea, there are significant questions about whether Hurts is truly equipped to take on a defensive coordinator role. Coaching defense requires a deep understanding of schemes, player development, and in-game adjustments—skills that typically take years to master.
Critics argue that Hurts’s expertise lies on the offensive side of the ball and that hiring him as defensive coordinator would be a gamble.
“Jalen Hurts is a phenomenal athlete and leader, but coaching defense is a completely different beast,” said ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum. “This move would be highly unconventional, and it’s unclear whether it would pay off.”
Hurts’s Perspective
As of now, Hurts has not publicly commented on the speculation. However, those close to him suggest that he is flattered by the support but focused on his NFL career.
“Jalen loves Alabama and appreciates the impact it had on his life,” said a source familiar with Hurts’s thinking. “But his priority right now is leading the Eagles and competing for a Super Bowl.”
Still, the idea of returning to Tuscaloosa in a coaching capacity someday is reportedly not out of the question.
“Jalen has always talked about giving back to the game,” said his father, Averion Hurts. “When the time is right, I’m sure he’d love to contribute to Alabama in some way.”
Nick Saban’s Role in the Decision
Ultimately, the decision to hire a new defensive coordinator rests with head coach Nick Saban, who has built Alabama into a perennial powerhouse over his 18-year tenure. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and preference for experienced assistants, Saban is unlikely to make a hasty or sentimental decision.
However, Saban has also shown a willingness to embrace unconventional moves in the past, such as hiring former NFL head coaches and experimenting with new offensive philosophies.
“Coach Saban values loyalty and innovation,” said former Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. “If he believes Jalen can help the team, he’ll find a way to make it work.”
The Broader Implications
If Alabama were to bring Hurts on as defensive coordinator, it would mark a significant departure from traditional coaching norms and potentially set a new precedent for how programs evaluate coaching candidates.
“This could be a turning point for college football,” said Sports Illustrated columnist Pat Forde. “It’s rare to see a player transition directly into such a high-profile coaching role, especially on the opposite side of the ball. If successful, it could open the door for other unconventional hires.”
What’s Next for Alabama?
As the Crimson Tide prepares for the 2025 season, the search for answers on defense remains a top priority. Whether Jalen Hurts becomes part of the solution or the program opts for a more traditional hire, one thing is clear: the expectations in Tuscaloosa remain as high as ever.
For now, Alabama fans will continue to dream of a scenario where their former star quarterback returns to Bryant-Denny Stadium—not to throw touchdowns, but to orchestrate a defense capable of bringing another championship to the Capstone.
And while the idea may seem far-fetched to some, in the world of Alabama football, where legends are made and history is written, anything is possible.
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