What Alabama football's Nick Saban said about new coordinators Tommy Rees, Kevin Steele

Alabama football and Nick Saban have officially announced the hiring of new coaches ahead of the 2023 season.

Tommy Rees has joined the staff as offensive coordinator after three years in the same role for Notre Dame. Kevin Steele has returned as defensive coordinator, the spot he filled on Saban's first Alabama team in 2007, after a year with Miami. Steele also served as associate head coach and head defensive coach at UA in 2008; director of player personnel in 2013; and inside linebackers coach in 2014.

Then there's Austin Armstrong, the new assistant coach in charge of inside linebackers after two years as defensive coordinator at Southern Miss.

"We are excited to bring in such a gifted group of coaches to develop our players both on and off the field," Saban said in a statement. "Kevin, Tommy and Austin have a great mix of energy, enthusiasm and experience that will be a tremendous asset to our program. They are all excellent teachers of the game and fantastic recruiters who bring a wealth of experience and resources to our staff."

Rees replaces Bill O'Brien, who left for the New England Patriots. Steele will fill the spot left by Pete Golding, who will be Ole Miss' defensive coordinator. Armstrong replaces Charles Kelly, who left to be the Colorado defensive coordinator.

Here's what each coach said about joining the Crimson Tide.

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Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator

"I have the utmost respect for what Coach Saban has built at Alabama and the tradition of this program," Rees said in a statement. "I'm excited to have this opportunity, and I'm looking forward to getting in the meeting room and on the practice field with this team."

Kevin Steele, defensive coordinator

"My history with Coach Saban goes back a long time and what he has built here at Alabama is truly amazing," Steele said in a statement. "I understand the high expectations of both Coach Saban and the program, and I am looking forward to helping continue that success."

Austin Armstrong, inside linebackers coach

"Growing up in West Alabama the opportunity to coach at The University of Alabama is a dream come true," Armstrong said in a statement. "I have admired what Coach Saban has built in Tuscaloosa and the long history of tradition and success this program has enjoyed. I am excited to get to work as we continue the legacy of success that is synonymous with Alabama football."

Nick Kelly covers Alabama football and men's basketball for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at nkelly@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter: @_NickKelly

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: What Alabama football's Nick Saban said about Tommy Rees, Kevin Steele