The Alabama Crimson Tide has an offensive line coaching vacancy. Kalen DeBoer may not rush into a decision. Many Alabama football fans have already made their first choice. It is former Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman. Arkansas fired Pittman in September, after the Razorbacks opened the 2025 season with a 2-3 record.
In his four-plus seasons as a head coach, Pittman’s Arkansas teams lost more games than they won. The record did not diminish the respect Pittman’s coaching peers hold for him. Pittman is acknowledged as an outstanding offensive line coach, as well as for his character and ability to shape and lead young men. He would be a great fit for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
In his long assistant coaching career, Pittman has coached offensive lines at Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Georgia. Pittman is also recognized as an outstanding recruiter and developer of NFL players. Pittman is 64 and has said he is content with retirement. It is not known how interested he might be in coaching again. If he has some interest, Alabama would have competition from other programs.
Another option for Kalen DeBoer would be pull Scott Huff away from the NFL. Huff coached for DeBoer at Washington. Huff’s 2023 Washington offensive line won the Joe Max Award as college football’s top offensive line. Huff chose the NFL over following DeBoer to Tuscaloosa. He coached the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line in the 2024 season. In the 2025 NFL season, he was the tight ends coach for the Los Angeles Rams.
Neither Pittman nor Huff would turn the Alabama Crimson Tide offense into a rushing juggernaut. The run game is complementary, rather than central to Kalen DeBoer’s offense. Pittman’s offensive lines have always been known for physicality. Washington had an effective running game with Huff, but his offensive line excelled more at pass blocking. In the 2023 season, Washington had the nation’s top passing attack, throwing 574 passes in 15 games. Even with the high number of passing plays, the Huskies were No. 6 in the FBS in fewest sacks allowed.
Whether it is Pittman or Huff, Alabama football fans will have increased optimism for an improved, more consistent offense in the 2026 season. The right offensive line coach could be more than a game-changer. He could be a season-changer.
