TUSCALOOSA, AL— When it came time to hire a new defensive coordinator, Alabama’s first-year coach Kalen DeBoer resorted to a familiar face. Kane Wommack, a former South Alabama head coach who served as Indiana’s defensive coordinator while DeBoer was the offensive coordinator, was chosen to succeed the departed Kevin Steele.
Wommack, who will be 37 next month and also coaches linebackers, previously led the Mobile, Alabama, team for three seasons. He is one of two people, along with co-DC and cornerbacks coach Maurice Linguist, who left their jobs as FBS head coaches to join DeBoer’s defensive staff at Alabama.
He’s made it a point to bring enthusiasm to practice and to his teammates. He was vocally involved in Wednesday’s spring practice, the second of DeBoer’s tenure, even working hands-on with the defensive backs. “The responsibility as a defensive coordinator is to set the tone for what you’re looking for,” Wommack told reporters.
“Every day, before we leave, I write on my notes, ‘You set the benchmark. You set the standard for how you want things done. I believe leaders lead from the front and assist those around them… If I expect our players to bring energy every day, I must bring energy every day.”
The standard is an important goal for Wommack, and effort is necessary to achieve it. “Those things are palpable,” he explained. “It takes a special effort to do those things.” The materials mentioned to are those required to continue playing Alabama football at a high level. Among other things, the new defensive coordinator described his meticulous attention to detail as unrelenting.
Linebacker Deontae Lawson, one of the Crimson Tide defense’s veteran captains, sees the enthusiasm. “Just the energy you need in a defensive coordinator,” Lawson was quoted as saying. “Very high-energy guy, running around with us at practice, and just being that leader on the defense.” Wommack was struck with Lawson’s presence and demeanor.
“When you look at what this place is, there’s a standard here that in college football, is respected across the board, and you want to be a part of those things,” Wommack told ESPN. “Ultimately, my job is to set the standard, cast vision, and then hold everybody accountable to the relentless detail that it takes to accomplish that vision.”
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