Alabama hiring former Michigan staffer ahead of Rose Bowl showdown

The Alabama Crimson Tide are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to gaining potential advantages against the Michigan Wolverines in the College Football Playoff semifinal.

Alabama is hiring former Michigan linebackers coach George Helow ahead of the Rose Bowl, according to Bruce Feldman and Kennington Smith III of The Athletic. Helow, who was on Michigan’s staff in 2021 and 2022, will start work with the Crimson Tide immediately.

Helow does have a previous connection to Alabama, having broken into coaching as a defensive intern on Nick Saban’s staff in 2012. However, the timing of the hire speaks for itself in many ways. The Crimson Tide are likely hoping that Helow can give them some insights into Michigan’s defensive system as they prepare for the national semifinal, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Helow spent two years as Michigan’s linebackers coach. He left after the 2022 season and was replaced by Chris Partridge, who did not last the year with Michigan after being fired for interfering in the NCAA investigation into the program’s alleged sign-stealing.