Alabama Parts Ways with Offensive Line Coach Chris Kapilovic

The Alabama Crimson Tide announced Friday that offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic will no longer be part of the program, ending his two-year tenure under head coach Kalen DeBoer. Kapilovic joined Alabama in 2024 after a three-year stint at Michigan State, where he served as offensive line coach, run game coordinator, and assistant head coach. His coaching career also includes stops at Colorado and North Carolina, giving him more than a decade of experience developing offensive lines at the collegiate level.

Kapilovic inherited a unit with high expectations, featuring three preseason All-SEC selections: left tackle Kadyn Proctor, center Parker Brailsford, and right guard Jaeden Roberts. Despite the talent, the line struggled to produce consistent results, leaving the Crimson Tide with one of the weakest rushing attacks in the country and a porous pass protection record.

The 2025 season exposed ongoing issues with cohesion and execution. Alabama averaged just 104.1 rushing yards per game, ranking 125th nationally, and gained a mere 3.35 yards per carry, second-worst in the SEC. The offensive line allowed 32 sacks over 15 games and surrendered 183 quarterback pressures, the most in the conference, according to Pro Football Focus.

With these struggles and roster instability, the decision to part ways reflects the program’s need to reset and rebuild the offensive line as Alabama heads into Kalen DeBoer’s third season.

1. Line Struggles and Rotation Issues

Alabama’s offensive line rotation was anything but stable during the 2025 season. The Crimson Tide deployed eight linemen for 170 or more snaps, with numerous position changes failing to create continuity. Wilkin Formby moved from right tackle to right guard, while Geno VanDeMark and Kam Dewberry split duties at left guard. Preseason All-SEC selection Jaeden Roberts lost his starting role and was largely relegated to reserve duties, a reflection of the line’s inability to gel. Quarterback Ty Simpson also suffered under constant pressure, sustaining an injury in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals while the rushing attack remained largely ineffective. The inconsistency on the line not only limited the running game but also contributed to a higher number of sacks and pressures, undermining Alabama’s offensive rhythm. Opposing defenses consistently exploited gaps and miscommunications, leaving the Tide vulnerable in critical moments. Ultimately, the challenges of blending new starters, transfers, and position shifts proved insurmountable, prompting the program to look for new leadership at offensive line coach to restore stability and performance.

2. Offseason Turnover and Replenishment

The conclusion of the season brought massive changes to the offensive line roster. Kadyn Proctor and Parker Brailsford declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, Wilkin Formby transferred to Texas A&M, and both Dewberry and VanDeMark exhausted their eligibility. Among reserves, Olaus Alinen, Arkel Anugwom, Micah DeBose, and Roq Montgomery also departed via the transfer portal, leaving Alabama with a heavily depleted line. In response, the Crimson Tide moved quickly to replenish the room. They added six transfers—Kaden Strayhorn and Ty Haywood from Michigan, Racin Delgatty from Cal Poly, Nick Brooks from Texas, Ethan Fields, and Jayvin James from Mississippi State. The incoming class is rounded out with five freshmen from Alabama’s 2026 signing class: Bryson Cooley, Chris Booker, Bear Fretwell, Jared Doughty, and Tyrell Miller. These additions give the program a mix of experienced transfers and high-potential freshmen to rebuild the offensive front. With a revamped roster, Alabama aims to address last year’s shortcomings in both run blocking and pass protection. The new additions will be tasked with quickly integrating into the system and establishing cohesion before the season begins.

3. Coaching Departures and Next Steps

Kapilovic is the first assistant to leave Alabama’s staff this offseason. Wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard accepted a head coaching position at Oregon State, while quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan departed to become offensive coordinator at Michigan State. These departures signal a period of transition for DeBoer’s program, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Alabama now faces the challenge of identifying a new offensive line coach to lead the revamped unit. Reported candidates include Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach Scott Huff and former Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman, both of whom bring experience in developing SEC-level offensive lines. The hire will be crucial for Alabama’s aspirations, as a cohesive and effective offensive line is central to the Tide’s offensive strategy. Success in this search could determine whether Alabama’s rushing attack and quarterback protection improve in the 2026 season. Recruiting, player development, and immediate on-field results will all be priorities for the next coach, who must stabilize a line that struggled under Kapilovic’s tenure and prepare the Tide for high-level competition in the SEC.