Former Alabama All-American and Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Terrence Cody will start his coaching career as the defensive-line coach at Southwest Mississippi Community College.

Cody announced his new position via his X account on Thursday: “I’m excited to announce that I’ll be starting my coaching career in the same league where I started my athletic career. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to join (coach Les George) and accept the defensive-line coach position at Southwest Mississippi Community College.”

After the Bears’ 1-8 season in 2024, the Summit, Mississippi, school hired George as its head football coach on Dec. 1.

Cody played in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference for two seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast in Perkinson before going to Alabama.

Cody earned consensus All-American recognition in 2008 and 2009 to become the second Crimson Tide player to do so twice, following defensive end Leroy Cook in 1974 and 1975.

“Mount Cody” is notably remembered for the “Rocky Block,” his block of a field-goal attempt by Tennessee kicker Daniel Lincoln with four seconds to play that preserved Alabama’s 12-10 victory in an SEC game on Oct. 24, 2009. The Crimson Tide went on to complete an undefeated season by beating Texas 37-21 in the 2009 BCS national-championship game.

A second-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, Cody started every game for the Ravens in 2011. But in his remaining three NFL seasons, he made only four more starts and had hip surgery twice.

Cody also played in eight postseason games with Baltimore, including a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3, 2013.

The Ravens announced on Jan. 23, 2015, they would terminate Cody’s contract on Feb. 2, 2015, the day after the Super Bowl and the first day possible under NFL rules. It also was on Jan. 23, 2015, when the Baltimore Sun reported Cody was under investigation for animal cruelty.

That investigation led to Cody serving six months at the Baltimore County Detention Facility for animal neglect.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.