After moving on from OL coach Chris Kapilovic, the Crimson Tide signaled a new chapter Wednesday morning. With four of five OL starters gone and a major rebuild ahead, it was a statement move about where Kalen DeBoer wants this program headed. Alabama officially announced the hire of Adrian Klemm as its new OL coach, bringing in experience across both college football and the NFL.

The move had been brewing since January 26, when reports first surfaced that Alabama was expected to bring in Klemm from USC’s staff. He has most recently worked behind the scenes with the Trojans as an offensive analyst, but his coaching path stretches far beyond that.

Before USC, he coached the New England Patriots’ offensive line in 2023. He helped shape Oregon’s dominant front in 2022, when the Ducks finished No. 1 nationally in sacks allowed while ranking among the country’s top offenses. He’s also had stints with Pittsburgh, UCLA, and SMU, building a reputation for turning raw talent into real production.

Now, Klemm steps into one of Alabama’s biggest offseason challenges of reshaping a line that must quickly come together if the Crimson Tide hopes to reestablish a dominant run game. That issue was most evident during the quarterfinals, when QB Ty Simpson was under constant pressure and eventually sustained an injury in the first half. With an average of only 104.1 rushing yards per game, 15th in the SEC, and only 3.4 yards per carry, Alabama’s run game also struggled throughout the season.

That ultimately led to the firing of Kapilovic, who became the first Alabama assistant to leave the staff this offseason without another job lined up. With the OL in need of a major rebuild looming, the Crimson Tide is turning to a new chapter.

Alabama’s offensive line reset

Klemm steps into an Alabama offensive line that’s still very much a work in progress. Only one starter returns from last season: right tackle Michael Carroll. He is a five-star out of IMG Academy who quickly became a key piece in 2025. Over 14 games, Carroll logged 546 snaps and allowed just four sacks and 15 pressures, though nearly half of those came in the big games against Oklahoma and Georgia. Beyond Carroll, the returning group is thin, with William Sanders having some experience at left guard, leaving the line in need of a serious rebuild.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Klemm said, “I am incredibly honored and grateful for this opportunity to join Coach DeBoer’s staff at The University of Alabama. The tradition, culture and championship standard in Tuscaloosa is second to none. I’m excited to get to work with our players and this staff, and it feels great to be a part of the Alabama family. Roll Tide!”

Alabama has been busy using the transfer portal to fill the room and add several seasoned linemen, giving Klemm some pieces who are ready to start right away. Jayvin James of Mississippi State has the snaps and starting experience to transition into left tackle, while Racin Delgatty, a two-year starter at Cal Poly, allows almost nothing in pass protection. The Tide now has a roster with a mix of experience and eligibility to work with, along with other newcomers like Michigan transfers Kaden Strayhorn and Ty Haywood and Ole Miss’ Ethan Fields.

Still, the challenge is huge. With a mix of returning talent, transfers, and promising freshmen, the pieces are there, but can Klemm turn them into a dominant front that fixes Alabama’s run game?