MOBILE — Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer explained his reasoning for the departure of offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic.
“It’s about production,” DeBoer said at a 2026 Senior Bowl practice Wednesday, Jan. 28. “We know we have to be better there, mindset and just execution. The details of the fundamentals that the guys need. A lot of new faces that are going to be in that room. Kind of a fresh start there.”
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A source confirmed to The Tuscaloosa News Friday, Jan. 23, that Kapilovic would not be Alabama‘s offensive line coach in 2026 after two seasons on DeBoer’s staff. Kapilovic was out recruiting that morning, visiting Central-Phenix City High School.
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“I just think that there’s different avenues and directions that I was still thinking about going,” DeBoer said when asked about Kapilovic’s recruiting before his departure. “Just became apparent to me what direction I was probably looking to go to as the week went on.”
Taking over a room that allowed 49 sacks in 2023, Kapilovic cut that number down to 24 in 2024, developing All-American linemen Tyler Booker and Parker Brailsford along with an SEC all-conference tackle in Kadyn Proctor.
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But struggles emerged in 2025. Alabama struggled to find consistency with a starting five up front, leading to difficulties in establishing the run game and protecting the quarterback. Alabama averaged 104.13 rushing yards per game and 3.35 yards per rush and allowed 32 sacks in 15 games.
Alabama is in line to have one starting offensive lineman returning from the 2025 season: Michael Carroll. William Sanders, who played 185 snaps for the Crimson Tide in 2025, per Pro Football Focus, could join the starting five at left guard.
Alabama did add six offensive line transfers, two of which − Mississippi State transfer Jayvin James and Cal Poly transfer Racin Delgatty − played more than 100 snaps in 2025.
Alabama opens its 2026 season Saturday, Sept. 5, against East Carolina.
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Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Kalen DeBoer explains Chris Kapilovic departure from Alabama coaching staff
