Should Kalen DeBoer’s tenure as head coach for the Alabama Crimson Tide not unfold as planned, the university is strategically fortifying its coaching roster with experienced options. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg and Chris Low report that Maurice Linguist, the current head coach at the University of Buffalo, is expected to join Alabama as a defensive assistant, with a focus on the secondary.
In a recent tweet, Rittenberg shared, “Alabama is expected to hire Buffalo head coach Maurice Linguist as a defensive assistant, likely working with the secondary, sources tell @ClowESPN and me. Linguist, who finished his third season at UB, is the second sitting FBS head coach to join Kalen DeBoer’s defensive staff.”
Linguist brings a record of 14-23 as the head coach at Buffalo, notably guiding the Bulls to a 7-6 season and a victorious Camellia Bowl appearance in 2022. His wealth of coaching experience spans 15 years, during which he specialized in working with defensive backs. Linguist’s coaching journey includes stints at Baylor, Iowa State, Mississippi State, Minnesota, Texas A&M, and the Dallas Cowboys before assuming the head coaching role at Buffalo in 2021.
This strategic hiring comes on the heels of Alabama securing South Alabama’s head coach, Kane Wommack, as the new defensive coordinator. Wommack, with a 22-16 record and a bowl victory in three years at South Alabama, adds another layer of expertise to Alabama’s coaching staff.
Remarkably, in just 24 hours, Alabama has managed to acquire two accomplished Group of Five head coaches, showcasing the program’s proactive approach to coaching personnel.
Alabama is expected to hire Buffalo head coach Maurice Linguist as a defensive assistant, likely working with the secondary, sources tell @ClowESPN and me. Linguist, who finished his third season at UB, is the second sitting FBS head coach to join Kalen DeBoer's defensive staff.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 16, 2024
Maurice Linguist’s anticipated role as a defensive assistant is expected to fill the void left by Travaris Robinson, the former cornerbacks coach at Alabama, who accepted a promotion at the University of Georgia. As Alabama strategically strengthens its coaching lineup, the Crimson Tide remains poised for success, backed by a team of seasoned and accomplished coaches.