Sep 18, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban reacts against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama OC Bill O’Brien left Tuscaloosa after 2 years to return to the NFL ranks, where he’ll reunite with former boss Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots.
That leaves Alabama coach Nick Saban searching for 2 new coordinators, as DC Pete Golding left for the Ole Miss job earlier this month.
On Wednesday morning, ESPN insider Chris Low joined “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning” on WJOX to discuss possible options for the Tide’s OC vacancy:
“I bet you this is going to be pretty close to the vest,” Low said. “Because I would say a lot of the guys Nick is going to be really interested in or has been interested in — because I think he’s already made some calls and talked to some people because this O’Brien thing has been brewing for a while — so a lot of these guys are going to have jobs, a lot of them high-profile jobs. It’ll probably be pretty hush-hush. One guy that’s already been out there that a lot of people have floated his name, and I do think he’d be on Nick’s list, is Jeff Lebby at Oklahoma. …
“I think Auburn made a run at Lebby as well. In fact, I know they did. … Dan Mullen is someone I talked to very close to that situation last night and unless something changes dramatically, Dan, he’s not going to be a candidate. Dan is really happy doing what he’s doing now in his TV role. … I think what Slade Nagle did down at Tulane, he’s a guy to watch. He did a terrific job down there this year. Maybe Collin Klein at Kansas State. … The guy at Duke is somebody they may look at. Greg Roman is a name. … There will be a lot of others.”
Where will Saban turn for his next offensive coordinator? It seems there will be plenty of interesting candidates in the mix!
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They need to at least offer it to Huge Feeeze. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do to in state rivals?
I called my shot on a different article that Tulane OC Slade Nagle could be an option. Could turn into a two man race between he and Jeff Lebby.
As for DC, seems Schumann is the guy everyone circles for Bama. Probably right about that one, though maybe Durkin gets a call. Possibly Leonhard at Wisconsin, but will he leave his alma mater?
I agree with you. Nagle would be a great choice.
I'd like have Schumann at Bama but apparently he's made it known he's happy and staying at UGA. He's the Co-DC at UGA. If I'm Saban I take the Co part away and double his salary. I believe he made 800k at UGA.
Phat Phil is doing everything he can to keep Pruitt from the DC job at Bama. I've been told by someone in the athletic department that Saban wants Pruitt at Bama at least in some capacity.
The OC hot board right now is:
Jeff Lebby
Joe Brady
Derek Dooley
Brian Johnson
Greg Roman
Jeff Scott
Kliff Kingsbury
Slade Nagle
DC hotboard is:
Glenn Schumann
Jeremy Pruitt
Jim Leonhard
Jimmy Lake
Of those groups, my top 2 for each would be Lebby or Brian Johnson for OC and Schumann or Pruitt for DC.
Wouldn't surprise me to see Lebby, Nagle, or Kingsbury right now. Lebby may be a longer shot, being from OU, but sometimes money talks. Nagle would jump at the chance in a heartbeat.
Schumann should be top priority, then go from there. Honestly, I'd leave Pruitt out of it. I know people deserve chances, but sometimes it can leave your program a black eye. Is he worth it? Is he going to be penalized?
I don't see Kingsbury as a legitimate option. His offensive style is way more pass heavy than anything Bama would want to do especially with the stable of backs they have. I've heard Bama has been in contact with Lebby a good bit.
Schumann will be tough to get because I think he is more loyal to Kirby at this point. I'm sure UGA would throw whatever they can at him to get him to stay. I don't mind Pruitt. The optics may look bad but I fully expect Saban to vet him and his situation as much as he can.
Jeff Lebby went to school at Oklahoma. I can't imagine anyone prying him from there.
Bama may be a faster path to a big time HC job. That and money would be the only reason for him to take the Bama job.
OC first choice is Kliff...second is a name not too many are mentioning but Derek Dooley. Coach has an exceptional relationship with Derek. DC we will know after the 49ers lose. Hint hint.
People need to stop with this Kliff nonsense. He isnt coming to Bama and he would be a horrible fit. His offense is the Air Raid and he uses 10 personnel the majority of the time. With Bama breaking in a brand new QB and having a stable of blue chip RBs, that style of offense would not make sense.
I wonder why Freddie Kitchens isn't on anyone's list.
I would think if Schumann wanted the job, he would already have been announced for the position. As far as salary, I'm sure Georgia would match anything that Alabama offers.
Kirby has the best coaching staff in CFB. You can't keep them forever, but I'm sure Kirby and UGA are willing to fight to keep them as long as possible.
It's because Saban is mostly focused on bringing Pruitt back. That's his #1 choice, but obviously there is a lot to comb through with the SEC and NCAA to ensure he is a viable option. I am sure Saban has spoken with Schumann too.