BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- During his playing days at the University of Alabama, Chris Samuels accomplished nearly every goal possible for an offensive lineman.



He was named first-team All-SEC, won the Jacobs Award as the SEC's most outstanding blocker, won the Outland Trophy for the nation's best interior lineman and won an SEC Championship in 1999. But Samuels has one goal from his days at Alabama he still hasn't met -- earning his degree.

Samuels announced Tuesday that he will be joining the coaching staff at Alabama as a student assistant while he works to finish his degree in physical education from UA.

"I'm really looking forward to it," said Samuels, who was in Mobile on Tuesday watching Senior Bowl practice. "I haven't been in a classroom other than an NFL classroom in a very long time. Back when I was at Alabama, I had my heart set on making it in the NFL so I kind of took some things for granted. I'm glad I have the chance to go back and do it right."

After retiring from a highly-decorated NFL career in 2010 because of injuries, Samuels decided to begin a new career as a coach, working as an intern with the Washington Redskins staff and later serving as the offensive coordinator for Blount High School in Prichard, Alabama, for the 2011 season.

Serving on the staff of his high school and college teammate Kelvin Sigler, Samuels led the Blount offense to 390 points, the school's highest output since 1997, and helped lead the team to a regional title. Blount finished 10-2, after opening the season with nine straight wins, and advanced to the second round of the 6A playoffs.

"I think he was a real big influence to the kids," Sigler said. "Being a guy who played on all three levels -- in high school, college and the NFL. He not only got on the guys, but he made sure that they did things right. We're going to miss him."

Samuels said the opportunity to return to Alabama was something he had long been considering, but his decision to go back was solidified during a recent conversation with Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.

"I always planned to go back and finish my degree and I knew that if I wanted to be a college or high school coach, it was something I needed to do," Samuels said. "I was asked to come introduce the captains at the team banquet this year and while I was there, Coach Saban sat down and talked with me a while and told me he'd love for me to come be a part of their staff. It was an opportunity I couldn't say no to."

Samuels plans to arrive in Tuscaloosa in early April, in time to participate in the second half of Alabama's spring practice.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to work with this group. Coach Saban is the best head coach in college football and his staff is second to none," said Samuels. "For someone like me looking to build a career as a coach, this opportunity is a real blessing. I can't wait to get to Tuscaloosa and start learning and doing what I can to help these guys win another championship."