Alabama Completes Its New Staff, Hiring Former Head Coaches Rhett Lashlee and Spencer Danielson

With Coach JT officially in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has moved fast to lock in a staff that matches his vision for a modern and explosive program. The Crimson Tide announced the hiring of two former head coaches, Rhett Lashlee and Spencer Danielson, giving Alabama one of the most experienced and well rounded coaching groups in PCFB.

The combination of JT, Lashlee, and Danielson brings creativity on offense, discipline on defense, and a clear identity for the seasons ahead.

Rhett Lashlee Joins as Offensive Coordinator

Rhett Lashlee arrives after his run as head coach at No. 12 SMU, where he posted an 18-9 career record. His teams lived inside the top tier of offensive production and his work with quarterback Kevin Jennings helped produce a Heisman Trophy winner this season. Lashlee’s background is rooted in tempo, spacing, and a passing structure that forces defenses to defend the full width of the field.

While Lashlee’s 2-7 mark against Top 25 opponents raised questions about SMU’s ceiling, Alabama believes his scheme becomes far more dangerous with SEC talent. His success developing quarterbacks is a big reason Coach JT targeted him. Alabama has a rising star at the position with redshirt freshman Keelon Russell, and Lashlee’s system is built to maximize poise, rhythm, and quick decision making.

The pairing of JT’s power spread direction and Lashlee’s proven passing concepts gives Alabama a clear offensive identity. Expect quick pace, open formations, and plenty of room for Russell to grow into one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the conference.

Spencer Danielson Takes Over as Defensive Coordinator

Former Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson joins Alabama after finishing with a career record of 34-11. His teams were known for physicality, disciplined tackling, and well prepared game plans. Danielson produced a strong 6-3 record against rivals and consistently kept Boise State among the top defenses in their conference. His 2-5 mark against Top 25 teams shows he battled uphill in big matchups, but Alabama’s staff believes those experiences only sharpened his approach.

Danielson is a technician who values communication, leverage, and situational control. His preferred structure is the 4-2-5, which matches perfectly with the personnel Alabama has been building. The scheme emphasizes hybrid safeties, zone disguise, and controlled aggression. It is built to slow down the modern spread attacks that dominate PCFB.

For JT, Danielson brings the calm and structure needed to complement an up tempo offense. Alabama wants a defense that forces mistakes and creates extra possessions for its young quarterback. Danielson’s style supports exactly that.

A Unified Direction for the Crimson Tide

These hires send a clear message about Alabama’s philosophy moving forward. JT wants balance, adaptability, and strong development at every position. Lashlee brings a proven system for explosive offense. Danielson brings an organized and steady defensive plan. Together, they give Alabama one of the most stable coaching foundations in the SEC.

The pace of the hires also signals urgency. Alabama is determined to move quickly, strengthen relationships on the recruiting trail, and maximize the portal window that lies ahead.

The Crimson Tide now have a staff with head coaching experience on all sides of the ball. They have a young quarterback ready to grow. They have a roster filled with potential. And with these moves, they have the leadership to bring the entire program together under a clear and confident identity.

The JT era at Alabama is officially underway, and the rest of the SEC has taken notice.