Alabama Football Announces the Hiring of Jeff Banks
1/18/2018 3:14:00 PM | Football
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban announced the hiring of Jeff Banks Thursday to serve as the special teams coordinator for the Crimson Tide.
"We are pleased to be able to add a coach the caliber of Jeff Banks to our staff as special teams coordinator," Saban said. "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.
Banks comes to Alabama after five years as the tight ends and special teams coordinator for Kevin Sumlin at Texas A&M. The Aggies boasted one of the nation's top special teams units ranking, third nationally in net punting in 2017 and seventh in 2016. A&M also featured a top punt return unit, ranking second nationally this past season, averaging 17.1 ypr. He coached punter Drew Kaser to All-American honors in 2013 after averaging 47.4 ypp.
"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. "Coach Saban has built an unbelievable program that has a long tradition of success. 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."
Prior to arriving at Texas A&M in 2013, Banks spent one season as the running backs coach and special teams coordinator at Virginia. Banks coached running backs and coordinated special teams for nine years at UTEP (2004-12). During his time in El Paso, Banks oversaw one of the top special teams units in Conference USA as the Miners led the league in special teams statistics in 2011 and 2012. In 2009, Banks' running back Donald Buckram broke UTEP's season rushing record that had stood for over 60 years by rushing for 1,594 yards.
Banks served as an assistant coach at Idaho State from 2000-03 where he was the special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator and coached the running backs. Idaho State led the nation in net punting twice in his three seasons. He got his coaching start as a graduate assistant under Mike Price at Washington State from 1998-2000, where he worked with the offense and the punters and kickers.
As a player, Banks was a two-time all-conference punter for Washington State, posting a 42.8 average as a junior and 43.4 as a senior. As a senior, he led the Pac-10 and was No. 15 nationally while helping the Cougars go 10-2 and earn an invitation to the Rose Bowl. Banks was selected to participate in the Senior Bowl.
Banks and his wife, Kori, have a daughter, Sydnei, and two sons, Gage and Tanner. Banks earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Washington State in 1999.
All such employment contracts are subject to approval by the University of Alabama Board of Trustees.
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