Alabama officially announced the hiring of Jeff Banks as its new special teams coordinator in a news release on Thursday afternoon. Banks arrives at Alabama after spending the last five seasons as the tight ends coach and special teams coordinator at Texas A&M.
“We are pleased to be able to add a coach the caliber of Jeff Banks to our staff as special teams coordinator,” coach Nick Saban said in the release. “Jeff is well-respected across the country for his knowledge of the game and his ability to recruit. He is a great teacher and someone who will help our football team be successful. We are pleased to welcome Jeff and his family to Tuscaloosa.”
The release did not indicate if Banks would coach a position group in addition to his duties as special teams coordinator. Joe Pannunzio coached Alabama’s tight ends and was special teams coordinator in 2017.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join Coach Saban’s staff at The University of Alabama and work with such a talented group of student-athletes,” Banks said in the release. “Coach Saban has built an unbelievable program that has a long tradition of success. I’m really excited to get out on the road recruiting, and I look forward to doing my part to help continue the success this program has enjoyed.”
Texas A&M ranked seventh nationally in punting average in 2017. The Aggies’ kickers were 18-22 on field goals and made 51 of 52 extra points. Texas A&M also ranked second nationally in punt return average, bringing 14 punts back for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Banks also has a reputation as a strong recruiter.
Banks spent the 2012 season coaching the special teams and running backs at Virginia. Prior to that, he was running backs coach and special teams coordinator at UTEP under former Alabama coach Mike Price from 2004-12. Banks was running backs coach, special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Idaho State from 2000-03. He began his career as a graduate assistant at Washington State from 1998-2000 under Price.
Banks was punter at Washington State and was named all-conference during his senior season in 1997.
