Charlotte 49ers football spring: Tim Albin’s crucial changes

The Charlotte 49ers are entering a pivotal spring under new head coach Tim Albin, with major changes defining this offseason. The team is sorting through key position competitions, especially a three-man quarterback battle featuring transfers Conner Harrell, Grayson Loftis, and Zach Wilcke. Albin is focused on building from the inside out, aiming for versatility and stronger line play after a season of heavy roster turnover.

The defense is also adjusting to a new scheme and communication system, with leaders like Reid Williford and Donovan Spellman standing out during spring workouts. As the 49ers prepare for a tough schedule starting with the Duke's Mayo Classic against Appalachian State, Albin emphasizes a week-by-week approach while shaping a new culture in Charlotte.

Tim Albin, the Charlotte 49ers new head coach, ran the players through an open practice at the university on Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025. By John D. Simmons

NO. 1: CHARLOTTE 49ERS FOOTBALL: HOW COACH TIM ALBIN FELT ABOUT OPENING DAY OF SPRING PRACTICE

Among the decisions facing Albin and his staff: Of the team’s three transfer quarterbacks, who will emerge as the starter? | Published March 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hunter Bailey

Even before the official press conference, UNC Charlotte touted their new coach Tim Albin on digital billboards at Jerry Richardson Stadium. The Charlotte 49ers officially announced Tim Albin, a two-time Mid-American Conference coach of the year, as the new head coach of their gridiron squad on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. About 200 people attended the announcement. By John D. Simmons

NO. 2: CHARLOTTE 49ERS FOOTBALL: FIVE POSITION COMPETITIONS TO WATCH AS SPRING PRACTICE OPENS

Under new head coach Tim Albin, the 49ers open spring football practice Tuesday with a number of new players on the roster. | Published March 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hunter Bailey

Former Ohio Bobcats coach Tim Albin is now at the helm of the Charlotte 49ers’ football program.

NO. 3: CHARLOTTE 49ERS FOOTBALL: 3 QUESTIONS FACING NEW COACH TIM ALBIN AS SPRING PRACTICE OPENS

The 49ers kick off the season against Appalachian State on Aug. 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. | Published March 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hunter Bailey

Tim Albin, the Charlotte 49ers’ new head football coach, runs players through a spring practice. By John D. Simmons

NO. 4: CHARLOTTE 49ERS MAILBAG: DALE JR. ON THE SIDELINES? LATEST WITH THE TRANSFER PORTAL?

Charlotte football coach Tim Albin invited the NASCAR star, a self-proclaimed 49ers fan, out to spring practice. Find out the latest with the 49ers’ program in The Observer’s mailbag. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hunter Bailey

NO. 5: WHY CHARLOTTE 49ERS’ FOOTBALL COACH BELIEVES ‘VERSATILITY’ IS TEAM’S BEST ASSET

As the 2025 NCAA football transfer portal spring window opens, Charlotte head coach Tim Albin believes versatility will be a necessity amid shrinking roster sizes. | Published April 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hunter Bailey

Tim Albin, Charlotte 49ers head football coach, leads the players during a practice in front of fans at Richardson Stadium on Saturday, April 19, 2025. By John D. Simmons

NO. 6: THREE-MAN COMPETITION AT QB CONTINUES IN CHARLOTTE 49ERS’ SPRING SHOWCASE

How did transfers Conner Harrell, Grayson Loftis and Zach Wilcke fare in Charlotte’s spring showcase? | Published April 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hunter Bailey

Charlotte 49ers linebacker Donovan Spellman.

NO. 7: HOW CHARLOTTE 49ERS’ DEFENSE IS LEARNING ‘A NEW LANGUAGE’ DURING SPRING WORKOUTS

Seniors Reid Williford and Donovan Spellman are among a handful of defensive starters back at Charlotte. | Published April 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hunter Bailey

Tim Albin, Charlotte 49ers head football coach, leads the players during a spring practice at Richardson Stadium. By John D. Simmons

NO. 8: CHARLOTTE 49ERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE IN FOCUS, BEGINNING WITH DUKE’S MAYO CLASSIC

The schedule for the Charlotte 49ers under first-year head coach Tim Albin is more in focus after several start times and dates were released Thursday. Here’s what we know. | Published May 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hunter Bailey

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.