A new-look coaching staff can reenergize a college football program. The Alabama Crimson Tide are hoping that’s the case in 2024.

With Nick Saban retiring, the Crimson Tide hired Kalen DeBoer to be their next head coach. However, according to ESPN, it’s another new coach on the staff who is considered the team’s biggest x-factor this season.

Kane Wommack worked with DeBoer during their time with the Indiana Hoosiers. Now, Wommack is taking over as Alabama’s defensive coordinator after a brief stint at South Alabama’s head coach. His 4-2-5 defense is expected to play a massive factor in Alabama’s success this season.

“Now that Saban has moved on to the TV world, enter Kane Wommack and his base 4-2-5 ‘swarm’ defense,” ESPN’s Chris Low wrote. “Wommack has had time to tweak his attacking system, which relies heavily on the safeties. Going back to his days as Indiana’s defensive coordinator, when he first crossed paths with new Tide coach Kalen DeBoer, Wommack has consistently gotten the most out of his players. After leaving South Alabama as head coach to take over as Alabama’s DC, he’ll have more talent than he’s ever had to maximize his system.”

The departure of Caleb Downs is a disappointment given the impact he could have had in Wommack’s scheme. However, the Crimson Tide still have plenty of talent at the position, including the likes of Malachi Moore and transfers like Keon Sabb, Kameron Howard, and King Mack.

Wommack will be dealing with way more talent than he’s had at some of his previous stops. That should allow him to unlock the full potential of his defensive scheme.