The college football world was rocked today with a surprising hire that bridges one of the fiercest rivalries in sports: LSU legend Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu has been named the defensive backs coach at Alabama, according to multiple sources close to the program. The move comes after Mathieu reportedly turned down opportunities to return to his alma mater in Baton Rouge, choosing instead to cross enemy lines and join the Crimson Tide staff under head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Mathieu, 33, retired from the NFL prior to the 2025 season after a decorated 12-year career that included a Super Bowl title with the Kansas City Chiefs, multiple All-Pro nods, and stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, and New Orleans Saints.
Known for his ferocious play style, ball-hawking instincts, and relentless energy traits that earned him the “Honey Badger” moniker during his LSU days—the former safety brings a wealth of on-field knowledge to Tuscaloosa.
The announcement marks a dramatic twist in Mathieu’s post-playing career trajectory. Just months ago, speculation swirled about him joining LSU’s staff, perhaps even in a prominent role on defense. Mathieu himself had teased the idea publicly in the past, once joking about keeping Louisiana recruits away from Alabama if he returned to Baton Rouge.
He was even honored as part of the 2025 SEC Legends class, cementing his status as an LSU icon. Yet sources indicate that after careful consideration—including discussions with mentors and family—Mathieu opted for the Alabama opportunity, viewing it as a chance to grow under one of college football’s most storied programs and prove his coaching chops in a high-pressure environment.
The hire is particularly poignant given Mathieu’s history with the Tide. As a sophomore in 2011, he helped lead LSU to a legendary 9-6 regular-season win over Alabama in the so-called “Game of the Century,” where the Tigers’ defense, featuring Mathieu’s big plays, held the eventual national champions to just two field goals.
That LSU team fell to Alabama in the BCS title game, but Mathieu’s impact was undeniable: he earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors, was a Heisman Trophy finalist, and claimed the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defender.
His LSU tenure ended abruptly in 2012 when he was dismissed from the team for violations of team rules, a decision that coach Les Miles later called one of his biggest regrets. Mathieu entered rehab, never suited up for the Tigers again, but went on to NFL stardom as a third-round pick. Now, ironically, he’s stepping into a coaching role at the very program that once stood as his biggest collegiate adversary.
Alabama’s defensive backs room gets an instant credibility boost with Mathieu’s arrival. The Crimson Tide have long prided themselves on producing elite secondaries, but recent seasons have seen questions about depth and playmaking in the secondary.
Mathieu’s expertise as a versatile safety—capable of covering slots, playing deep, forcing turnovers, and leading by example—should translate well to mentoring young DBs.
His NFL experience working under defensive minds like Steve Spagnuolo (Chiefs) will bring modern concepts to the Tide’s scheme.
Mathieu addressed the hire briefly in a statement: “Football has taken me on a wild journey—from Baton Rouge to the pros and now back to the college level in a new role. I’m excited to pour into these young men, teach what I’ve learned, and help build something special at Alabama. Rivalries are part of the game, but growth and opportunity don’t recognize borders.”
The move underscores how quickly lines blur in coaching circles, where talent and ambition often override old allegiances. For Mathieu, it’s a fresh chapter—one where the Honey Badger trades his stripes for a new set, proving once again that he defies expectations at every turn.
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