Alabama Hires New Running Backs Coach

There’s a new face in charge of running backs in Tuscaloosa.

North Carolina running backs coach Robert Gillespie has been hired by the University of Alabama, according to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports.

Gillespie replaces former Crimson Tide running backs coach Charles Huff, who departed from Tuscaloosa to be the next head coach at Marshall. Gillespie joins offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and offensive line coach Doug Marrone as the replacements for Alabama’s massive offensive coaching turnover in 2021.

During his three years at North Carolina under head coach Mack Brown, Gillespie helped produce a couple prolific running backs in Javonte Williams and Michael Carter.

Together, the tandem produced over 1,000 rushing yards each, and were top six in rushing this last season. Williams finished the season top three in rushing touchdowns. Pro Football Focus lists the two as top five running back prospects for the 2021 NFL draft.

Prior to his time at North Carolina, Gillespie was the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Tennessee under Butch Jones from 2013-2017. Together with his time in Rocky Top, his time as a graduate assistant at South Carolina from 2005-2008, and his experience playing running back at Florida in college, Gillespie is familiar with the workings of the SEC.