
Alabama parts ways with offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic after poor rushing season
Alabama parts ways with offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic after poor rushing season
- Alabama had one of the worst rushing attacks in college football during the 2025 season, finishing at 129th place.
- Chris Kapilovic was relieved of his duties after three seasons as Alabama's offensive line coach.
- The decision to part ways with Kapilovic reflects Alabama's need for changes to regain competitiveness in college football.
Story
In the United States, the Alabama Crimson Tide football team made significant changes to its coaching staff following a disappointing season. Alabama, which had a history of excellence in college football, particularly in the running game, faced serious struggles during the 2025 season. The offensive line was unable to perform at the expected level, resulting in a ranking of 129th out of 136 FBS schools in rushing yards per game. The team's woes were significant enough that Ryan Grubb, the offensive coordinator, admitted to running out of effective strategies to improve the rushing game. On January 22, 2026, the Alabama program announced the termination of Chris Kapilovic, who had served as the offensive line coach for three seasons. Under Kapilovic's leadership, the offensive line failed to maintain the historically strong performance expected from Alabama. This decision was reportedly made as part of Alabama's efforts to return to the elite status within college football and compete for championships again. The program's struggles were particularly alarming given its historical significance in developing top-tier running backs capable of being drafted in the NFL. The choice to let go of Kapilovic reflects broader trends within college football, where the pressure to perform and achieve results has never been greater. As teams like Texas, Ole Miss, and LSU make strategic improvements through the transfer portal, Alabama recognized the urgent need to recalibrate its approach to remain competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of college football. Despite the challenges Kapilovic faced, his tenure at Alabama was marked by an overall disconnection from the program's storied traditions of success. The Crimson Tide reached the College Football Playoff in the 2025 season but faced a significant deficit in rushing strategy, which highlighted their overall deficiencies. As Alabama prepares for the coming season, it is clear that further adjustments will be necessary to reclaim its status at the top of college football. The program's management appears committed to making the right changes as they look ahead towards regaining their former glory in 2026 and beyond.