Alabama WR coach Holmon Wiggins leaving for Texas A&M, per reports

Texas A&M’s new head coach, Mike Elko, made a significant coaching addition on Tuesday night by reportedly hiring wide receiver coach Holmon Wiggins away from Alabama to assume the same role.

Wiggins, 43, had been part of Nick Saban’s coaching staff since 2019, quickly earning a reputation as one of the program’s top recruiters. His departure now presents Saban with the challenge of filling two coaching vacancies: Wiggins, who was elevated to assistant head coach of the offense in 2021, and Coleman Hutzler, now serving as the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State. The news was initially reported by Billy Liucci of TexAgs.com.

Wiggins, an alum of New Mexico, embarked on his coaching career with stops at Illinois State, Tulsa, Memphis, and Virginia Tech before joining Alabama. During his tenure, Alabama saw the development and success of multiple first-round NFL wide receivers, including Heisman Award winner DeVonta Smith.

In terms of compensation, Wiggins earned $875,000 last fall, ranking 82nd nationally among Division-I coaches, according to the USA Today coaches salary database. Alabama’s total assistant salary was the third-highest in the nation, trailing only Georgia and Ohio State.

As a recruiter, Wiggins is praised for his ability to connect with prospects, particularly in his home state of California. He played a role in the recruitment of five-star quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Ryan Williams. The latter has yet to sign his national letter of intent and is currently being pursued by Auburn and Texas.

Wiggins was notably present on the field, consoling players Kendrick Law and Kobe Prentice, following Alabama’s 27-20 overtime loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl. With the transfer portal now open for UA players, Tuscaloosa is expected to undergo significant changes in the coming days.