Alabama Football Announces Hiring of Jody Wright as Director of Player Personnel

University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced the hiring of Jody Wright on Thursday. Wright returns to the Alabama football staff, where he previously served as a graduate assistant (2010) and offensive analyst (2011-12).

“We are glad to have Jody back on our staff in this role,” said Saban. “We thought very highly of him when he was with us before, and when this position became available, he was the first person that came to mind. Jody is extremely well-thought of in the state of Alabama and throughout the southeast when you talk to anyone involved with football at the college or high school level. He is also very organized and has excellent people skills, which make him a great fit for this role.”

As director of player personnel, Wright will be responsible for the organization of all recruiting efforts. Wright will also work with compliance regarding initial eligibility and assist with coaching clinics, camps and other on-campus events.

Wright brings several years of SEC experience to Tuscaloosa. In addition to his three years at Alabama, he has also worked a graduate assistant and eventually the director of football operations at Mississippi State. Wright spent a total of five years in Starkville, where he also earned his master’s degree in 2009.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to work for Coach Saban and to be a part of the football program at the University of Alabama,” said Wright. “Growing up as a coach’s son in Pickens County, I have always had a great respect for the passion and tradition at Alabama. It was a dream of mine as a kid to work at the University of Alabama one day. Coach Saban gave me that chance in 2010 and I’m humbled and excited to work for him at Alabama again. I look forward to doing my part to continue the tradition of success at the best program in the country for the best coach in college football.”

Wright’s previous two stops include a season at UAB in 2014 (assistant head coach/running backs/recruiting coordinator) and his alma mater, Jacksonville State, in 2013 (passing game/recruiting coordinator). The Gamecocks advanced to the third round of the FCS playoffs that season, finishing with a record of 11-4. He began his career as a student assistant at Jacksonville State in 2002.  Wright helped JSU win the 2003 and 2004 Ohio Valley Conference championships.

Wright played running back at Jacksonville State, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 2005. He played his high school football at Pickens Academy for his father, Lynn Wright, and was a member of three undefeated state championship teams.

In June of 2014, Wright married the former Meredith Hocutt of Tuscaloosa.

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