Nick Saban and Alabama Poach New DL Coach Away From Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss

Call it a comeback for former Crimson Tide linebacker Freddie Roach. Previously at Ole Miss at the Rebels' defensive line coach, he is now saying goodbye to Lane Kiffin.

On Thursday, Nick Saban and Alabama officially announced Roach will be returning to Tuscaloosa to be the team's new D-line coach there.

#Alabama is hiring #OleMiss assistant Freddie Roach to coach the Tide's Dline. Prior to his time at Ole Miss, Roach spent three seasons in Tuscaloosa as the Crimson Tide' director of player development (2015-17).
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 6, 2020

Roach was previously Alabama's director of player development for three years, but left the school in 2017 to take an on-field position with the Rebels. He was hired by former Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze.

With Kiffin now running the show, there was movement around his staff. However, Roach was retained by Kiffin. Unfortunately for good ol' Lane, Saban was in need of a new DL coach after Brian Baker left to take a job with the Colts.

“We are pleased and happy to have Freddie Roach return to our staff at The University of Alabama,” Saban said via an Alabama release. “Freddie did a fantastic job at Ole Miss the last three years coaching their defensive line, and we are excited to welcome him back to Tuscaloosa."

Ole Miss DL coach Freddie Roach named Alabama’s DL coach. Roach previously was Alabama’s director of player development from 2015-17
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) February 6, 2020

With Roach now on board, he'll look to get the ball rolling with Alabama during the upcoming spring camp session, along with recruiting for 2021 and beyond.