Drew Hughes joined the Knights as the director of player personnel in December 2011. He spent the previous five seasons with the University of Alabama. While with the Crimson Tide from 2007-11, Hughes served as a recruiting specialist for head coach Nick Saban. He assisted in player evaluation breakdowns and compiling the recruiting prospect board. Hughes also helped in the daily operations for the Nick Saban Summer Camps from 2008-11, and spent time on the football video staff for four years.
Graduating from Alabama in May 2011 with a bachelor's degree in education, Hughes gained experience as a secondary coach in the spring of 2011 at Tuscaloosa County Hugh School (Ala.), as well as an intern on the offensive side of the ball in 2010.