Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Alabama head strength coach retained to be on Kalen DeBoer’s staff

Originally posted on Touchdown Alabama Magazine
By Stephen M. Smith | Last updated Jan 16, 2024 12:43 PM ET

He has had to juggle a lot since getting hired last week as the new head coach for Alabama football, but Kalen DeBoer is making good moves on the coaching staff.

DeBoer has retained Freddie Roach (defensive line), Robert Gillespie (running backs), and Jeff Allen (head athletic trainer) as assistant from the Nick Saban era. He is also keeping the Crimson Tide’s head strength and conditioning coach on staff as well.

David Ballou, Alabama’s Director of Sports Performance, shared a “Roll Tide” message Monday on social media.

Roll tide!

— David Ballou (@UA_CoachBallou) January 16, 2024

He is indication he is remaining with the team in the DeBoer era.

Ballou came to the Tide in 2020 from Indiana University, replacing Scott Cochran. He improved the physicality and injury prevention of the Crimson Tide in his first season, helping the program to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a College Football Playoff National Championship. Ballou has positioned the Tide from the weight room to have three SEC Championships, including one in 2023 to dethrone a two-time defending CFP National Champion in the Georgia Bulldogs.

Alabama fans are excited that Ballou is sticking around.

This article first appeared on Touchdown Alabama Magazine and was syndicated with permission.

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