Alabama DB Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. expressed satisfaction with the dismissal of his position coach from Kalen DeBoer’s coaching staff on social media. This comes after ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel reported that co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Colin Hitschler is leaving the Crimson Tide after one season.

“My safety coach just got fired thank you lord,” Kirkpatrick wrote in a social media post.

Kirkpatrick is the son of the same-named former Alabama All-American and NFL star. Kirkpatrick Sr. played for Nick Saban from 2009 to 2011, before turning professional from 2012 to 21. Kirkpatrick Jr. finished his freshman season at UA in 2024. The younger Kirkpatrick played in all thirteen games of Alabama’s 2024 season. He had three total tackles on the year, including one solo stop at LSU. Kirkpatrick attended Gadsden City High School, where his father also attended. As a prospect, he received three stars and was ranked No. 42 in the state by the 247Sports Composite. Freddie Roach is mentioned as Kirkpatrick’s primary recruiter. Roach is a defensive line coach hired by Saban and appointed Associate Head Coach by DeBoer.