Coaches moving between SEC programs is a standard part of the college football offseason. However, a coach moving directly from Alabama to Auburn in the span of a few weeks is a notable event in the history of the Iron Bowl rivalry.
The Move to the Plains
In late February 2026, it was confirmed that Chris Kapilovic joined Auburn head coach Alex Golesh's staff as an offensive analyst. This hiring came less than a month after Kapilovic departed from his role at the University of Alabama.
Kapilovic had previously served two seasons with the Crimson Tide. He was part of Kalen DeBoer's initial coaching staff transition before Alabama opted to hire former NFL coach Adrian Klemm to oversee the offensive line unit for the 2026 season.
Auburn's Offensive Strategy
Alex Golesh has consistently emphasized the need to rebuild Auburn's rushing attack and improve the line of scrimmage. The addition of Kapilovic brings a veteran collegiate offensive line perspective to the analyst room. Kapilovic's primary role will involve off-field analysis and preparation, aligning with modern NCAA staff structures where analysts play a critical role in week-to-week game planning.
The Rivalry Context: Direct staff movements between the two programs are historically infrequent due to the intensity of the rivalry. Kapilovic's transition adds an interesting dynamic to the 2026 season. As an analyst, his recent experience in Tuscaloosa provides Auburn with a staff member intimately familiar with the opposing roster and recent systemic changes under Coach DeBoer.