Alabama DC Kevin Steele Reportedly Plans to Retire From Coaching

Alabama defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is reportedly planning on retiring from coaching following the team's defeat in the Rose Bowl, according to ESPN's Chris Low.

Steele joined the Crimson Tide in Feb. 2023 for his third stint on head coach Nick Saban's staff after serving as the defensive coordinator for Miami. The 65-year-old has spent 40 years in coaching.

Alabama's defense allowed just 19 points per game during the 2023 season, representing the 16th-best average in the country. Steele was revered in the team's locker room, receiving praise from coaches and players alike regarding his approach to the role.

"It's a great aspect to have a guy like Kevin Steele, who has been around the game for a long time," cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry told reporters ahead of the team's College Football Playoff matchup with Michigan (via Sports Illustrated's Austin Hannon). "I feel like as a defense, we can trust and believe in everything that he [says] to us."

Saban himself discussed Steele's demeanor in the locker room, detailing the respect that the veteran coach has garnered from Alabama's defense.

"He's pretty soft-spoken most of the time," Saban said, per Nick Kelly of the Tuscaloosa News. "When he does get on or say something, everybody listens."

In addition to Alabama and Miami, Steele spent time coaching at several notable schools such as Clemson, Florida State, Auburn, LSU, Baylor, and Nebraska among others.

He was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2017, given to the best assistant coach in college football. Steele was the defensive coordinator for Auburn that season, with the Tigers' defense allowing opponents to score more than 20 points just three times in their first 12 games.