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Alabama to hire former NFL head coach Ken Whisenhunt to off-field role

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•02/15/23•

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Alabama is adding a former NFL coach to its staff. Ken Whisenhunt, who spent eight seasons as a head coach in the league, is coming aboard to an off-field role, sources told On3’s Matt Zenitz Wednesday.

Whisenhunt, 60, spent the last two years as an analyst at Penn State following a long career in the NFL. He got his first head coaching job with the Arizona Cardinals in 2007, holding the role until 2012 and totaling a 45-51 record in that span. He then served as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2013-14, going 3-20 before his firing.

As an assistant coach, Whisenhunt was part of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl XL championship run as the offensive coordinator. He also worked as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers before arriving at Penn State under James Franklin.

Tommy Rees ‘looking forward’ to joining Alabama staff

Things are officially official in Tuscaloosa for Tommy Rees. He was announced as the Alabama offensive coordinator on Monday, joining from Notre Dame. Rees will be replacing Bill O’Brien and hoping to bring a new spark to the program after the past two seasons.

Challenges are ahead for Rees, who is “looking forward” to joining the Alabama staff. He cited working with head coach Nick Saban and the entire program as a reason for excitement. While Rees has already been on the recruiting trail, getting onto the practice field is where he will begin to make an impact.

“I have the utmost respect for what Coach Saban has built at Alabama and the tradition of this program,” Rees said in a statement. “I’m excited to have this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to getting in the meeting room and on the practice field with this team.”

Important decisions will have to be made right away from Rees. Most notable is the quarterback competition set to take place over the course of spring practice. Jalen Milroe will be going up against Ty Simpson, as both look to take over for Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young.