Derrick Nix has joined the coaching staff at the University of Alabama as the new wide receivers coach, following his tenure as an offensive coordinator at Auburn. Nix’s appointment comes after JaMarcus Shephard left to become the head coach at Oregon State. With nearly two decades of experience in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Nix is expected to bring valuable expertise to the Crimson Tide.
In a statement regarding the hiring, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer highlighted Nix’s extensive background in both coaching and recruiting within the SEC. “Derrick Nix adds extensive SEC experience to our group,” DeBoer said. “He’s very familiar with our current coaches, and he’s also an Alabama native who understands the state, its fans, and the passion surrounding Alabama football. I’m excited to add Derrick to our staff, and I know he can’t wait to get to work.”
Nix, a native of Attalla, Alabama, has spent significant time in the South as an assistant coach. His coaching career includes stints at Southern Miss, Ole Miss, and most recently Auburn, where he coached running backs, tight ends, and receivers.
“I am truly honored and excited to be a part of the gold standard in college football – The University of Alabama,” Nix stated. “The rich tradition and great championship history in Tuscaloosa is second to none. I am thankful to Coach DeBoer for an opportunity to be on this great staff, and I am ready to go to work. Roll Tide!”
During his two seasons at Auburn, from 2024 to 2025, Nix made a notable impact on the team. In his first year, he coached Jarquez Hunter, who achieved All-SEC first team honors after rushing for 1,201 yards. After the firing of head coach Hugh Freeze, Nix took over as the offensive play caller for the final month of the 2025 season. Under his leadership, the Auburn offense saw significant success, scoring 38 points against Vanderbilt, 62 points against Mercer, and 20 points against Alabama. Notably, Auburn recorded a season-high of 353 passing yards in the loss to Vanderbilt.
Before his time at Auburn, Nix had a long tenure at Ole Miss, spanning 16 seasons, where he coached receivers from 2020 to 2023. His contributions to college football have earned him recognition, including induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Southern Miss Athletics Hall of Fame. He was affectionately nicknamed “Baby Bull” for his power and determination, as noted during his Hall of Fame induction in 2025.
As the Alabama coaching staff undergoes these changes, Nix’s arrival signifies the program’s commitment to maintaining its competitive edge within the SEC. His familiarity with the conference and the state of Alabama is expected to bolster recruiting efforts while enhancing the skills of the wide receiver corps.
With the upcoming season on the horizon, Alabama fans will be watching closely to see how Nix’s experience and coaching style will influence the team’s performance. The Crimson Tide, known for their storied history and championship legacy, are eager to build on their successes as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
