Per multiple reports, an architect of one of the best defenses in the country is getting his first head coaching job. Charlie Henry, Alabama men’s basketball assistant, is accepting the head coaching position at Georgia Southern.

Henry’s tenure coincides with Nate Oats’ arrival in 2019. Oats hired Henry back in Romulus (Mich.) High School before Henry made stops at Iowa State under coach Fred Hoiberg, then followed Hoiberg to the Chicago Bulls. Henry then led the Windy City Bulls, where he led the NBA G League affiliate to the playoff spot.

Stadium’s Jeff Goodman was the first to report news of the hire on Twitter. It was shortly confirmed by ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello. Georgia Southern decided not to renew Brian Burg’s contract on March 9 after a 17-16 season and 9-9 record in the Sun Belt. The Eagles last made the NCAA Tournament in 1992 and NIT in 2006.

Henry has helped lead Alabama’s defense while on Oats’ staff. The Crimson Tide boasts one of the best defense’s in the country this season. The group is ranked third in adjusted-defensive efficiency per KenPom, allowing 88.6 points per 100 possessions (adjusted for opponent quality). Alabama’s 2020-21 team also finished third in that ranking amid a run to the Sweet 16.

Henry is from Canton, Mich., and has spent his coaching career with the Indiana Pacers as a video intern, with Utah as a graduate manager and at Iowa State as a director of player personnel. He attended Mmadonna University, an NAIA school in Michigan.

Another Tide assistant could potentially leave this offseason as Bryan Hodgson could be in line for a head coach interview at Buffalo. Hodgson is from Western New York and followed Oats from Buffalo to Tuscaloosa four years ago.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].