The University of Alabama has added an offensive assistant coach from the staff of a Southeastern Conference Western Division rival, TideSports.com has learned.
Charles Huff, who was the assistant head coach, run game coordinator and running backs coach at MSU in 2018, will join the Crimson Tide staff. There is a strong possibility that he could coach the UA running backs, with current Crimson Tide assistant Joe Pannunzio moving off the field. Alabama coach Nick Saban has not confirmed any final staff responsibilities for 2019 at this time. Huff has also been considered a strong recruiter for MSU classes in 2018 and 2019.
Huff previously worked at Penn State from 2014-17, the last two of those seasons with current MSU head coach Joe Moorhead. Huff coached and recruited All-America running back Saquon Barkley. In addition to MSU and Penn State, he’s served at Western Michigan (2013), the Buffalo Bills (2012), Vanderbilt (2011), Hampton (2010), Maryland (2009) and Tennessee State (2006-08).
Alabama has not confirmed any off-season coaching hires although numerous outlets, including Tidesports.com, have reported that Huff would likely join Steve Sarkisian, offensive line coach Kyle Flood and current analyst Butch Jones on the offensive side of the ball. Former Alabama player Lance Taylor, the wide receivers coach for the NFL Carolina Panthers last season, is also considered an active candidate to return to Tuscaloosa.
Tidesports.com reported on Saturday that Tennessee assistant coach and special teams coordinator Charles Kelly would also accept a spot on Saban’s 2019 staff.
Sal Sunseri is expected to join the defensive staff, which has seen the departure of Tosh Lupoi to the NFL. There could be other coaching movement on that side of the ball as well.
Saban is expected to address the media at his annual appearance at the Senior Bowl in Mobile this week.
Reach Cecil Hurt at cecil@tidesports.com or 205-722-0225.
