Alabama announced that long time running backs coach Burton Burns will transition to a new off-field role as assistant athletics director for football.

Burns spent 11 years as Alabama’s running backs coach and helped develop two Heisman Trophy winners in Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry. Trent Richardson also won the Doak Walker Award for the best running back in the country while being coached by Burns. Seven running backs who were coached by Burns have NFL careers.

He is the only remaining member of Nick Saban’s original staff that is with the program.

“Burton has been a crucial part of our success over the past 11 years and has done an outstanding job with our running backs,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said in a press release. “He is an essential member of our staff as he takes on a new challenge as our assistant athletics director for football.”

Joe Pannunzio will take over as Alabama’s running backs coach, while Jeff Banks will take his place as special teams coordinator and tight ends coach. 

“Joe Pannunzio has done a great job in several different roles within our organization,” Saban said. “He is an excellent coach who will do a fine job with our running backs.”

All such employment contracts are subject to approval by The University of Alabama Board of Trustees.