Alabama Reportedly Hiring Former Michigan Football Coach

On Thursday evening, The Athletic released a new report on Nick Saban’s latest coaching hire: former Michigan football coach (linebackers) George Helow. Of course, the Wolverines and Helow parted ways earlier this year after he served on Jim Harbaugh’s staff for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, and this move comes just weeks before the Wolverines face Alabama football in the Rose Bowl for a shot at the national title game.

Nick Saban hires former Michigan football coach

Alabama football and Nick Saban will find just about any competitive advantage that they can — that includes hiring a former member of Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan football coaching staff. Today, it is being reported that ex-Michigan linebackers coach George Helow is being brought on staff in Tuscaloosa just weeks before the Wolverines face the Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl on January 1.

Earlier this year, Michigan football and George Helow parted ways — the move made room for Chris Partridge to be hired from Ole Miss, though he has since been fired for breaking University of Michigan protocol amid the NCAA’s investigation into Connor Stalions and his alleged sign-stealing.

Nick Saban bringing George Helow back to Bama for good?

This move to Alabama football is not the first time that George Helow and Nick Saban have worked together — Helow’s first coaching job was with the Tide as a defensive intern back in 2012. Again, he has not been on Michigan’s coaching staff this fall, so it’s unclear if he will give Bama that much of an advantage, but it sure seems like this could be why Nick Saban wants him around ahead of the Rose Bowl game.

Additionally, there is speculation right now that George Helow could become a full-time Alabama football coach next season, seeing as the Crimson Tide are losing their linebackers coach to Mississippi State after the CFP ends.

SOURCES: Former Michigan LB coach George Helow has been hired by Alabama to the Crimson Tide staff. Helow spent the 2021-2022 seasons on the UM staff. Bama faces Michigan in the Rose Bowl, Jan. 1. https://t.co/QuWeZFjuIhhttps://t.co/QuWeZFjuIh

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 14, 2023

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