The University of Alabama has announced the hiring of Richard Owens as the new tight ends coach for the Crimson Tide football team. Head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed the addition on Monday, noting Owens’ experience and familiarity with both the staff and the Southeast region.
“Richard Owens possesses a diverse skillset and knowledge for the game that he has grown over time as both a player and coach,” said DeBoer. “His background will allow him to contribute to not only the success of our tight ends but also to our offense as a whole. He also has a familiarity with our staff and the Southeast Region that made him our top choice to fill this role.”
Owens brings 16 years of collegiate coaching experience, having worked with various offensive positions including tight ends, offensive line, and wide receivers. He has also served in coordinator roles on offense.
“There’s no greater stage in college football than the SEC,” said Owens. “I’m honored to join Coach DeBoer’s staff and work alongside a tremendous group of colleagues. I am going to pour everything I have into Alabama and upholding the standard of excellence here. Roll Tide!”
Before joining Alabama, Owens spent three seasons at Louisville working with their offensive line. During his tenure, Louisville posted a 28-12 record and won consecutive bowl games in 2024 and 2025. Under his guidance, nine Louisville players received All-ACC honors on the offensive line, including Bryan Hudson who was recognized as first team all-conference and awarded the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as ACC’s top offensive lineman in 2023.
Owens previously coached at Georgia Southern in 2022 as an offensive line coach and run game coordinator after three years at UAB from 2019-21 where he led their offensive line unit. In 2021, UAB averaged nearly 400 yards per game with 43 total touchdowns, finishing with nine wins capped by an Independence Bowl victory over BYU.
In 2020, UAB won the Conference USA West Division title while allowing just four sacks all season—one of the lowest totals nationally—behind an effective offensive line coached by Owens. The Blazers’ rushing attack averaged 200 yards per game that year.
Earlier roles include leading Louisville’s tight ends in 2018; coaching at South Alabama from 2015-17; two stints at UAB between 2012-14; serving as Arkansas’ graduate assistant working with tight ends from 2010-11; and holding various other coaching assignments.
As a player, Owens started three seasons at tight end for Louisville before playing six years in the NFL with teams such as Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, and New York Jets.
Owens is married to Tina Ryan, with whom he has one daughter named Rylan.
The financial terms for this appointment are pending approval by The Board of Trustees.
