Nick Saban tries to stay one step ahead of his competition, and it’s one thing that has kept him at the top of college football for as long as he has been.
His latest staffing hire is a perfect example. Saban hired former Michigan linebackers coach George Helow ahead of the Tide’s matchup against the Wolverines in the Rose Bowl.
While Helow did not coach Michigan this year, he served under Jim Harbaugh for two years in 2021 and 2022. Helow was replaced by Chris Partridge this season, who was fired in wake of the sign-stealing scandal at Michigan.
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It is unclear exactly what Helow’s role will be, but the timing of this cannot be coincidental. Helow previously served as a coaching intern under Nick Saban at Alabama back in 2012.
In addition to the element of Helow having previously served at Michigan, Alabama is also losing its current outside linebackers in Coleman Hutzler to Mississippi State, where he will be the defensive coordinator.
The Athletic was the first publication to report on this story.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
