Alabama rips a key piece from Jeff Brohm and Louisville football’s coaching staff

Louisville football was informed that it will lose another coaching staff member as the Alabama Crimson Tide ripped Jeff Brohm’s offensive line coach, Richard Owens, away from them. It was reported late last night that Owens will depart the Cards and head to Alabama, according to multiple reporters, including On3 Sports' Pete Nakos.

Brohm will now begin his coaching search for a new offensive line coach, as Owens has been on staff for all three years since Brohm took over in 2023. Owens is the fourth assistant coach to leave Louisville this offseason, as the Cards lost Tight ends coach Ryan Wallace, defensive line coach Mark Hagen, and safeties coach Ron English.

Jeff Brohm will look to replace key assistant coach

Brohm heard his name in many searches this past season and offseason as programs sought a new head coach. Brohm was linked to Michigan, LSU, Penn State, and Florida, but he ultimately decided to stay with his alma mater after what he has built over the past three seasons. However, while Brohm has decided to stay, his success and the team's success will also open more doors for his assistant coaches, and that is clear with Owens getting a job with Alabama as their new tight end coach.

Owens is a former Louisville football player, having played tight end for the Cardinals from 1999 to 2003. Owens went on to play in the NFL for 4 seasons, during which he caught 17 passes for 149 yards and 1 touchdown.

The Cardinals have high expectations for their offensive line heading into next season. While Louisville lost the majority of its starters, including Pete Nygra, who was named to All-ACC honorable mention, it returns Lance Robinson and adds 4-star transfers Eryx Daugherty from Boston College and Cason Henry from South Carolina.

Both transfers rank in Louisville's top seven biggest commitments this offseason, with Daugherty ranking No. 223 overall and No. 13 among interior offensive linemen in the Transfer Portal. As for Henry, he ranks right behind his new teammate at No. 249 overall and No. 18 among offensive tackles in the Transfer Portal.

The Cards' offensive line had an underwhelming season last year, especially in the first half of the season. However, in the second half of the season, Louisville’s offensive line took over games, allowing just 1.6 sacks per game and helping the offense rush for over 200yards per game in the final seven games.

Related: 10 biggest Transfer Portal commitments for Louisville football this offseason

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