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SEC News: Alabama hires DC, Finney-Smith traded

By Matt Melton

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 03: Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele of the Miami Hurricanes looks on prior to the game against the Bethune Cookman Wildcats at Hard Rock Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 03: Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele of the Miami Hurricanes looks on prior to the game against the Bethune Cookman Wildcats at Hard Rock Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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SEC fans, here are some of the biggest headlines from across the conference this past weekend, which includes a big NBA trade that saw a former Florida star forward change teams, as well as Alabama reportedly hiring a defensive coordinator.

ESPN’s College Gameday going to Auburn vs Alabama on Saturday

Announced during Saturday’s broadcast, ESPN’s College Gameday will be in the SEC this upcoming Saturday when Auburn hosts Alabama inside Neville Arena. As of today, this will be a Top 25 matchup between the No. 4 Crimson Tide and No. 25 Tigers.

Former Florida forward Dorian Finney-Smith traded to Brooklyn Nets

Former Florida forward Dorian Finney-Smith was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a multi-player deal Sunday, one that was headlined by Kyrie Irving being traded to the Dallas Mavericks. The 2013-14 SEC Sixth Man of the Year, Finney-Smith averaged a combined 12.1 PPG and 7.1 RPG across four seasons in Gainesville, and is currently in his seventh season in the NBA, each of which have come with the Dallas Mavericks.

Alabama reportedly hiring Miami DC Kevin Steele as DC

According to ESPN’s Chris Low, Alabama is reportedly hiring current Miami defensive coordinator Kevin Steele for the same position with the Crimson Tide. Steele would spend only one season with the Hurricanes, with Miami allowing a combined 26.8 PPG to rank No. 68 nationally this past year.

An SEC veteran, this will be Steele’s third different stint with the Crimson Tide, with the previous two coming as defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach in 2007-08, as well as director of player personnel and linebackers coach in 2013-14.

Steele’s previous experience in the SEC has also come at different places such as Tennessee, LSU, and Auburn, with Steele arguably remembered most by his time at Auburn as defensive coordinator from 2016-20. Under Steele, the Tigers ranked Top 40 in each season nationally in points allowed per game:

  • 2016 – 17.1 PPG (No. 7)
  • 2017 – 18.5 PPG (No. 12)
  • 2018 – 19.2 PPG (No. 14)
  • 2019 – 19.5 PPG (No. 17)
  • 2020 – 24.7 PPG (No. 38)

Next. Alabama, Kentucky rise in latest power rankings. dark

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