GOOD NEWS: Alabama Stuns College Football World by Naming Crimson Tide Legend Cornelius Bennett as New General Manager Ahead of 2025-26 Season
In a stunning and electrifying move that’s rocking the college football landscape, the University of Alabama has officially announced that NFL and Crimson Tide legend Cornelius Bennett has been appointed as the program’s first-ever General Manager. This groundbreaking hire signals a bold new chapter for Alabama football, positioning the powerhouse program for sustained dominance as it heads into the 2025-26 NCAA season.
Bennett, a three-time All-American linebacker for Alabama in the 1980s and a five-time Pro Bowler during his NFL career, brings unmatched experience, leadership, and championship pedigree to the new role. Known for his fierce intensity, elite football IQ, and unshakeable pride in his alma mater, Bennett’s appointment has been met with widespread enthusiasm from alumni, players, and fans across the nation.
“This is home,” Bennett said during his introductory press conference. “Alabama made me who I am. Now, I get the incredible honor of helping lead this program into a new era of greatness. I’ve won at every level, and I’m bringing that mindset here.”
As General Manager, Bennett’s responsibilities will include overseeing recruiting operations, supporting NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) strategy, managing roster construction and transfers, and collaborating with the coaching staff to ensure the Crimson Tide stays ahead in the evolving world of college football. It’s a role that blends front-office structure from the NFL with the demands of modern college athletics—a perfect fit for someone with Bennett’s unique background.
Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne praised the hire, calling it a “transformational moment” for the Crimson Tide program. “Cornelius Bennett represents everything Alabama stands for—excellence, toughness, leadership, and legacy. His knowledge of the game, experience at the highest level, and love for this university make him the ideal person to help shape our future.”
With the introduction of a General Manager role, Alabama becomes one of the first major programs to implement an NFL-style organizational model, one that aligns player acquisition, development, and strategy under a unified vision. This innovative step reflects the shifting dynamics of college football, where the transfer portal, NIL deals, and competitive recruiting battles now demand a more structured and professionalized approach.
The move also comes at a pivotal time for the program, as Alabama seeks to maintain its dynasty status following the retirement of legendary head coach Nick Saban. While his successor has already shown promise, the addition of Bennett brings another layer of championship DNA into the building.
Bennett, affectionately known as “Biscuit” by Alabama fans, was a cornerstone of the Crimson Tide defense in the 1980s and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in school history. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005 and remains a beloved figure throughout the Alabama community.
Now, with his return to Tuscaloosa in a leadership capacity, Cornelius Bennett is poised to help build the next great chapter in Alabama football. One thing is clear: the Crimson Tide isn’t just reloading—it’s reinventing.