Moments after former Alabama defensive line coach Brian Baker departed for the Indianapolis Colts, the Crimson Tide named his replacement. While the eventual hiring of Freddie Roach was no secret, Alabama made it official Thursday, announcing the Killen, Ala., native as its next defensive line coach.

“We are pleased and happy to have Freddie Roach return to our staff at The University of Alabama,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. “Freddie did a fantastic job at Ole Mis the last three years coaching their defensive line and we are excited to welcome him back to Tuscaloosa. Freddie played here and has been a part of our staff on a couple of occasions. He brings a tremendous understanding of what we do on defense, how we run our program while proving to an outstanding recruiter.”

Roach returns to Alabama after spending the past three seasons coaching defensive line at Ole Miss. It will be the former Crimson Tide linebacker’s third coaching stint in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Previously, Roach was Alabama’s director of player development (2015-17) and also served as the team’s assistant strength and conditioning coach from 2008-10.

“It is hard to even put into words how exciting it is to come back to The University of Alabama,” Roach said. “This is a fantastic opportunity to return home and work for Coach Saban and my alma mater. I have a great deal of respect for Coach and his accomplishments as well as the rich history of Alabama football. I also understand the high expectations of both Coach Saban and the program. I am looking forward to helping continue that history of success.”

At Ole Miss, Roach was responsible for developing several standout linemen, including nose tackle Benito Jones and defensive end Josiah Coatney, who led the Rebels’ front last season. Jones recorded 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks while Coatney added 46 total tackles, four quarterback hurries, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.

In 2018, Coatney (63) and Qaadir Sheppard (48) combined for 111 tackles and three forced fumbles. Sheppard produced a season-high 10 tackles for loss, while Markel Winters (4.0) and Jones (3.0) solidified the defensive front. During his first season in Oxford, Miss., Roach oversaw a pair of NFL Draft picks in Breeland Speaks (2nd round) and Marquis Haynes (4th round). The two combined for 14.5 sacks while earning second-team All-SEC accolades. Haynes finished as Ole Miss’ career leader in sacks (32.0) and tackles for loss (47.5).

Along with his time at Alabama and Ole Miss, Roach spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons as the defensive ends and outside linebackers coach at South Alabama under head coach Joey Jones. He helped the Jaguars end the 2013 season ranked No. 3 nationally in sacks per game and 21st in tackles for loss per contest, while the 2014 defense was second in the Sun Belt in total defense.

In 2012, Roach coached Murray State’s defensive line while also assisting with the strength and conditioning program. The previous fall, he coached the defensive line and was the director of strength and conditioning at East Mississippi Community College, helping lead the Lions to the NJCAA National Championship.

As a player, Roach was a four-year letterman at linebacker for the Crimson Tide from 2002-05. During his time at Alabama, he was named the National Freshman of the Year in addition to earning freshman All-America accolades and was twice tabbed as a second-team All-SEC honoree.

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