Kevin Steele responds to Lane Kiffin's claims of Alabama changing DCs
LOS ANGELES – Earlier this season, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin suspected Alabama changed defensive play-callers, moving from coordinator Kevin Steele to Travaris Robinson.
Nick Saban addressed it, and Kiffin doubled down on what he thought he saw while studying the film. But on Friday at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles, Steele had his first chance to respond. Crimson Tide coordinators only speak twice a year – once during preseason camp and once at the bowl game – so Friday was Steele’s first press conference in three months.
What did he think when Kiffin claimed he was no longer making Alabama’s defensive calls?
“Nothing,” Steele said. “I know Lane. I don’t know (why he said it). I don’t know. You’d have to ask him.”
Steele simply said, “No,” when asked if his play-calling responsibilities were taken away.
“I’ll help you on one of your questions, though. Who do you think the defensive coordinator at Alabama is?” Steele asked. “It ain’t but one, and he’s won seven national championships.
“As long as you know that, we’re good.”
Saban brought in Steele as his defensive coordinator this offseason after Pete Golding left Alabama for the same job at Ole Miss. Steele is no stranger to the Crimson Tide program, having served two previous stints, including one as Saban’s first defensive coordinator in 2007. He does not coach a specific position group but oversees the entire UA defense.
Robinson is in Year 2 with the Tide, and after coaching the cornerbacks last season, he took over the whole defensive backfield this season. Robinson has experience as a coordinator, however, leading the South Carolina Gamecocks defense for five years from 2016-20.
On Friday, Steele provided a glowing review of his secondary coach.
“Coach Robinson is very, very smart. Very smart,” Steele said. “He is a great teacher. He’s a great recruiter. He has very good relationships with people. He’s got really good people skills, is a great communicator. He has a bright future.
“I personally think – this is my personal opinion – I think in the very near future, he will be somebody’s head coach and be very successful doing it.”
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