Alabama football: Nick Saban hires new running backs coach from ACC program

Nick Saban revitalizes his Alabama football staff by prying Robert Gillespie away from UNC.

After losing running backs coach Charles Huff to the main job with the Marshall Thundering Herd, Alabama football coach Nick Saban was able to land an incredible replacement in Robert Gillespie, formerly of the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Gillespie’s position group was a major reason the UNC football team played in a New Year’s Six bowl. Under Mack Brown, Gillespie produced two 1,000-yard rushers in 2020. Michael Carter had 1,245, while Javonte Williams had 1,140. But the best part of this hire is Gillespie’s previous SEC experience. He was the Tennessee Volunteers’ recruiting coordinator from 2013-2017.

Look for Alabama not to skip a beat with Robert Gillespie replacing Charles Huff

Gillespie had a good thing going with North Carolina. The Tar Heels are coming off their best season in 50 years. They are projected to be one of the most formidable challengers to the Clemson Tigers in ACC play. With Sam Howell at quarterback, North Carolina has the offensive firepower to stun Clemson in the ACC Championship to make the College Football Playoff.

Too bad Saban went out and landed arguably the best option to replace a valued commodity like Huff on his staff in Gillespie. Look for Gillespie’s strong recruiting connections in the Southeast to be a huge boost for the Alabama program. Being able to coach star running back after star running back at Alabama, as well as contend for championships, may be too good of a job to pass up.

By hiring Gillespie, Saban has one less concern about rounding out his coaching staff for 2021.

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