Kane Wommack sends heartfelt message to South Alabama after accepting Alabama DC job

Kalen DeBoer‘s staff at Alabama has yet to be made official but the process is slowly coming along. Former South Alabama head coach Kane Wommack will make the move from Mobile to Tuscaloosa, joining as the defensive coordinator. While Alabama has not announced the move, Wommack all but confirmed the news on Wednesday.

Wommack sent out a heartfelt message to the South Alabama program, thanking them for the last three seasons. It was the first time Wommack had the opportunity to be a head coach and the Jaguars will remain in his heart. After all, the drive over from Alabama is not too far away.

“I can’t adequately express how deeply we love the University of South Alabama & the city of Mobile,” Wommack said. “The last 3 years have been a dream come true. Thank you, Jag Nation, for showing up, supporting us, and embracing our vision for the football program.

“Melissa and I, along with our sons, leave behind special memories, and a part of our hearts that South Alabama captured like no place ever had before. We will be cheering from Tuscaloosa and still believing that for South, the best days are still ahead. Keep your J’s up!”

In three seasons with South Alabama, Wommack finished with a 22-16 overall record. The last two years resulted in bowl eligibility, with the Jaguars taking down Eastern Michigan in the 2023 68 Ventures Bowl this past December.

However, the 2022 season was the high point, earning 10 wins for the first time in program history. The previous high for South Alabama in its short history had been six.

Kane Wommack taking over as Alabama defensive coordinator

Wommack’s relationship with DeBoer goes back to when the two were at Indiana, serving as the defensive and offensive coordinator, respectfully. They were in Bloomington together for just one season but they are teaming back up in Tuscaloosa.

Even had Nick Saban not retired, Alabama would be looking for a new defensive coordinator. Kevin Steele announced his own retirement, stepping away from coaching after a lengthy and successful career.

Once the hire is made official, Wommack will be the program’s third DC in as many seasons. Steele was replacing Pete Golding, who left in favor of Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels.

Despite some leaving via the NCAA transfer portal, Wommack will still have great players to work with during his first season. One he hopes keeps the same standard Alabama has seen over the last 17 years.