Alabama hires Steele, Stevenson for support staff

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama coach Nick Saban has hired former Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele as director of player personnel.

Saban announced the hiring of Steele to direct recruiting efforts and handle other duties Thursday. Saban also hired high school coach Kerry Stevenson as director of player development.

Steele was Clemson’s defensive coordinator from 2009-11, but stepped down after Clemson allowed a bowl-record 70 points in an Orange Bowl loss to West Virginia.

The former Baylor head coach worked with defensive coordinator Kirby Smart as Alabama’s defensive head coach in 2007 and 2008.

Saban says Steele’s “organizational skills and people skills make him a perfect fit for this role.”

Stevenson spent the past 10 years as head coach at Vigor in Prichard, Ala., going 15-0 in 2008.