Kalen DeBoer of Alabama keeps two assistants from Nick Saban’s staff and elevates them.

In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, head coach Kalen DeBoer has made decisions regarding his coaching staff, opting to retain and elevate assistants Freddie Roach and Robert Gillespie.

On Wednesday, DeBoer announced that Roach, who previously served as the defensive line coach for the Crimson Tide, will now take on the role of associate head coach. Meanwhile, Gillespie, the running backs coach, will maintain his position and assume the additional title of assistant head coach.

Both Roach and Gillespie were part of the coaching staff under DeBoer’s predecessor, Nick Saban.

Expressing his rationale for retaining the two assistants, DeBoer stated, “After meeting both of these guys, it was very clear to me that keeping Freddie and G as part of the staff was going to be important to our success. These guys have great relationships with our players, are outstanding recruiters, and have proven to be some of the best coaches in the country.”

Roach, a former player for Alabama, has been part of the Tide’s coaching staff for the past four seasons. Gillespie is entering his fourth year in Tuscaloosa.

The financial details of these coaching decisions are pending approval by the Board of Trustees.

Additionally, it is noted that two of DeBoer’s former assistants from Washington, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and offensive line coach Scott Huff, have departed to take on the same roles with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.