Kentucky insider details how Alabama's new OL coach may have burnt bridges

Alabama made a significant hiring this week, pulling offensive line coach Eric Wolford away from the Kentucky Wildcats. Wolford is considered one of the best in the SEC and will now work with a talented group of blockers upfront.

However, there may have been some bridges burned during Wolford’s venture from Lexington to Tuscaloosa. Matt Jones of On3’s Kentucky Sports Radio explained that the offensive line coach caused some “frustration” inside of the Wildcats program.

“On Friday of last week, Wolford was recruiting a late OL target for Kentucky and left to interview at Alabama,” Jones explained via Twitter. “On Saturday he took the job, never came back to Lexington to tell the team bye, and was recruiting the same kid for Alabama. A pretty amazingly quick turnaround.

“They always say that the two days people remember the most at your job are your first and your last. In Eric Wolford’s case, the last is just a guess as no one has seen him since he accepted the Alabama job”

Wofford switch sides fairly quickly and tried to bring at least one recruit along with him. Now USC head coach Lincoln Riley caught some stick for this as well when leaving Oklahoma. With the way college football works today and everything changing instantly, it can be frustrating for all parties involved.

Alabama announces three new coaches

Wofford was not the only Alabama assistant coach introduced on Wednesday afternoon. Coleman Hutzler and Travaris Robinson joined the Crimson Tide as well. Head coach Nick Saban put out a statement regarding all three coming into the program.

“We are pleased and happy to be able to add Coleman Hutzler, Travaris Robinson and Eric Wolford to our coaching staff,” Saban said in a statement. “They are all talented coaches who are well respected across the country for their knowledge of the game, ability to recruit and aptitude for teaching and developing young men both on the field and in life.”

Wofford himself put out a statement. He said he is looking forward to continuing the success Alabama has had at the offensive line positions over the years.

“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to join Coach Saban’s staff at The University of Alabama,” Wolford said. “There is a long history of outstanding offensive line play at Alabama, and I look forward to contributing to that success moving forward.”