Alabama football officially announced a hire that’s been confirmed for some time. Kane Wommack is the Crimson Tide’s new defensive coordinator, joining UA after a stint as head coach at South Alabama

Wommack will also coach inside linebackers for the Tide.

“Growing up in the SEC, you know what it means to play football in Tuscaloosa,” Wommack said in a Monday press release from UA.. “Watching Alabama football from the outside, it was always impressive and intimidating, and you always want to be part of something truly special.

“The standard that Alabama has established is impressive, and we are excited to be the next group that gets to build upon that legacy. Having this opportunity with a friend like Kalen DeBoer, who I know, trust and believe in, makes it all the sweeter, and we are certainly excited to be in Tuscaloosa.”

Wommack and DeBoer worked together previously. Alabama’s new head coach served as offensive coordinator at Indiana in 2019, where Wommack was working as the DC.

DeBoer had previously confirmed the Wommack hire, speaking highly of the new defensive coordinator during Senior Bowl practices in Mobile. He had even more nice things to say in the official announcement.

“Building a staff is so critical to your success as a head coach and Kane Wommack is a key piece to what we are working to accomplish at Alabama,” DeBoer said. “He is one of the best defensive minds in college football. Kane will play a huge role in helping us build the kind of culture that is required to win football games.”

The announcement means three of DeBoer’s assistant hires have been officially announced, with Nick Saban staff retainees defensive line coach Freddie Roach and running backs coach Robert Gillespie. Most of the other staff is in place, though it has not been officially announced.