re: Official Alabama assistant coaching search thread: staff complete Edition

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Didn't they announce Banks as the Special Teams coordinator?

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Alabama hired Jeff Banks as the team's special teams coordinator, the school announced Thursday.

Banks spent the previous five seasons at Texas A&M serving in a similar capacity while also supervising the tight ends.

"We are pleased to be able to add a coach the caliber of Jeff Banks to our staff as special teams coordinator," Nick Saban said in a statement. "Jeff is well-respected across the country for his knowledge of the game and his ability to recruit. He is a great teacher and someone who will help our football team be successful. We are pleased to welcome Jeff and his family to Tuscaloosa."

During 2017, Banks was slotted at No. 72 in 247Sports' national recruiter rankings.

He was credited with bringing in seven of the Aggies' 28 signees, according to the website.

Banks is expected to be active in the coming weeks as National Signing Day approaches.

"I'm really excited to get out on the road recruiting, and I look forward to doing my part to help continue the success this program has enjoyed," Banks said in a statement.

The appointment of Banks, a former college punter, is a sign Alabama not only is trying to maintain its allure as a destination program for top high school prospects but is also aiming to improve its ability to succeed in what is known as the third phase of the game.

The last two special teams coaches for Alabama, Burton Burns and Bobby Williams, oversaw other position groups as well. When former kicker Cade Foster was on campus, Williams could only advise him about how kicking related to the team's coverage schemes.

Foster, in turn, had to consult with experts outside the program, including former NFL players Chris Boniol and Morten Andersen, if he wanted to improve his technique or work on a specific skill. Foster's experience explains, in part, why Alabama hasn't been able to dominate recruiting at that position in the same way the Tide consistently does at others.

Banks' expertise adds another dimension to Alabama -- shoring up an area that was perceived one of its weakest.

The Aggies featured one of the nation's top special teams units. In the Football Bowl Subdivision, A&M ranked third in net punting in 2017 and seventh in 2016. It was also second in the nation in punt return average this past season.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join Coach Saban's staff at The University of Alabama and work with such a talented group of student-athletes," Banks said.

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