Alabama is expected to hire Derrick Nix as its new wide receivers coach, replacing JaMarcus Shephard. Nix, 45, is a native of Attalla, Alabama, and has extensive coaching experience in the South, including recent roles as Auburn's offensive coordinator and Ole Miss's wide receivers coach. At Auburn, he served as offensive coordinator for two seasons (2024-2025), during which he coached notable players like Jarquez Hunter, who earned All-SEC first-team honors. Nix also called plays for Auburn in November, leading the team to high-scoring games. Prior to Auburn, he spent 16 seasons at Ole Miss coaching wide receivers, developing NFL-caliber talent such as Elijah Moore and Jonathan Mingo. Nix's coaching career began at Southern Miss, where he was a star running back and later a coach. He has strong ties to Alabama's coaching staff, especially with defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, with whom he has known since childhood. Nix's hiring is part of Alabama's effort to strengthen its coaching staff, with him set to replace Shephard, who left for Oregon State. His background includes coaching running backs, tight ends, and receivers, with a reputation for developing explosive offensive plays and top-tier pass catchers.