TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama coach Nick Saban outlined the specific duties of his assistant coaches and completed his first Crimson Tide staff Monday with the hiring of Curt Cignetti as recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach.<br>
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Major Applewhite, a 28-year-old former Texas quarterback, will serve as the Tide's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He spent last season running the offense at Rice.<br>
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The defensive coordinator will be former Baylor head coach and Florida State assistant Kevin Steele.<br>
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``I feel like it's a good balance of young guys that are bright, up and coming guys that have a lot of energy and enthusiasm, accompanied by some guys that have a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience,'' Saban said. ``I think balance is important.<br>
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``I feel very good about the coaching staff here.''<br>
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Cignetti formerly coached tight ends and quarterbacks at North Carolina State and also served as recruiting coordinator.<br>
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Saban had previously announced the other hires but didn't disclose positions or who would serve as his coordinators.<br>
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The rest of the staff:<br>
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Burton Burns, associate head coach, running backs.<br>
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Joe Pendry, assistant head coach, offense and offensive line.<br>
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Kirby Smart, assistant head coach, defense and secondary.<br>
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Ron Middleton, tight ends/special teams.<br>
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Bo Davis, defensive line.<br>
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Lance Thompson, outside linebackers.
