Coleman Hutzler is a man in transition. For what he hopes is the next two weeks, he’s Alabama football’s outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator as the Crimson Tide takes aim at Nick Saban’s seventh national title in Tuscaloosa.

After the year ends, he’ll jump state lines, moving to the Mississippi State defensive coordinator gig under new head coach Jeff Lebby.

“It’s a lot,” Hutzler told AL.com Saturday in Pasadena, Calif. before the Crimson Tide faces Michigan in the Rose Bowl Monday. “But it’s been awesome. Obviously excited for the next chapter but focused on this week and our players here at ‘Bama and finishing the run.”

Hutzler’s group is going to play a huge role in Monday’s game. Michigan has a quarterback who earned Heisman Trophy votes in JJ McCarthy, and edge-rushers like Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell will be instrumental in limiting his effectiveness.

The departing coach was optimistic on Saturday.

“Top to bottom, very good program and a great challenge for us,” Hutzler said. “But we’ve had a couple good weeks of practice. Excited both on special teams and defensively, to see what we can do.”

There’s a bunch on Hutzler’s plate right now. He’s trying to win a national title, but Mississippi State recruiting is also happening.

It’s not a long move to Starkville, but he’s still got to get his family down at some point, after letting his children finish the school year.

“Obviously wanted to be really focused on our players here,” Hutzler said. “The game plan and getting the outside linebackers and special teams prepared to execute. But the recruiting piece and the window of recruiting going on back at Mississippi State, so just trying to balance that and do the best I can for both.”

Like he said, it’s a lot. But he wasn’t complaining.

“Grateful that coach Saban and coach Lebby are allowing me to do it,” Hutzler said. “Finishing what I started.”

Alabama and Michigan are scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. CT Monday in the Rose Bowl. The game will be aired on ESPN.