Alabama hires Rumph to coach defensive line

Published Jan. 7, 2011 8:24 p.m. ET

foxsports

Alabama hired Chris Rumph away from Clemson as defensive line coach, three days after Bo Davis left the Crimson Tide for Texas.

Coach Nick Saban announced the hiring Friday.

Rumph is a former South Carolina player who spent the last five seasons as Clemson's defensive ends coach, including working with All-American Da'Quan Bowers. Bowers led the nation with 15.5 sacks this season.

Saban praised Rumph's ''outstanding knowledge of the game.'' The Tigers ranked in the top 25 nationally in scoring and total defense in each of his seasons with the program.