February 18 - New coaches finally announced
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced the addition of seven assistant coaches Friday, including Steve Sarkisian as the offensive coordinator and the promotion of Pete Golding to defensive coordinator.
Along with Golding and Sarkisian, the Crimson Tide added Brian Baker(associate head coach/defensive line), Charles Huff (associate head coach/running backs), Charles Kelly (associate defensive coordinator/safeties), Kyle Flood (offensive line), Sal Sunseri (outside linebackers) and Holmon Wiggins (wide receivers).
"We are excited to be able to assemble such a talented group of coaches to develop our players both on and off the field," Saban said. "These coaches have a great mix of energy, enthusiasm and experience that will be a tremendous asset to our program. They are all excellent teachers of the game and fantastic recruiters who bring a wealth of experience to our staff."
Offensive staff
Steve Sarkisian
Sarkisian arrives in Tuscaloosa to coordinate the offense and coach the quarterbacks after two seasons as the Atlanta Falcons' offensive coordinator. He served as the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator for the 2017 College Football Championship Game after spending the 2016 season as an offensive analyst for the Crimson Tide. In Atlanta a season ago, Sarkisian's offenses finished in the top 10 in the NFL in passing yards (fourth – 4,653 yards), total yards (sixth – 6,226 yards) and 10th in scoring (25.9 ppg). In 2018, quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 4,924 yards with 35 touchdowns while Julio Jones caught 113 passes for 1,677 yards and eight touchdowns and Calvin Ridley added 64 catches for 821 yards and a team-high 10 scores.
Kyle Flood
Flood takes over Alabama's offensive front after two years as the Atlanta Falcons assistant offensive line coach where he worked with Sarkisian. He had just been promoted with the Falcons to game/clock management coach before joining the Tide. Prior to his time with the Falcons, Flood spent four years at the head coach at Rutgers where he led the Scarlet Knights to bowl games in each of his first three seasons. He was on staff at Rutgers in total for 11 season, also serving as the assistant head coach, co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Flood boasts 19 years of experience coaching the offensive line at the collegiate and NFL levels.
Charles Huff
Huff arrives in Tuscaloosa to tutor the running backs and serves as the Tide's associate head coach after one season as the assistant head coach, run-game coordinator and running backs coach at Mississippi State. He boasts 15 years of coaching experience on both the NFL and college level with stops at Penn State (2014-17), Western Michigan (2013), the Buffalo Bills (2012), Vanderbilt (2011), Hampton (2010), Maryland (2009) and Tennessee State (2006-08). His one season in Starkville produced an effective rushing attacked that averaged 223.6 yards per game to rank second in the SEC and 20th nationally. At Penn State, he recruited and developed one of the game's most electrifying players in running back Saquon Barkley who became the highest drafted NFL running back since Reggie Bush (No. 2) in 2006 and went on to win the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018.
Holmon Wiggins
Wiggins comes to Tuscaloosa to coach wide receivers after three years (2015-18) coaching the same unit at Virginia Tech under head coach Justin Fuente. He also worked for Fuente at Memphis for four seasons (2012-15) working with the wideouts. Wiggins oversaw the development of Tech's receivers over the past three years, highlighted by Cam Phillips, who established himself as Tech's career leader in receptions and receiving yards. At Memphis, he helped the Tigers to 19 victories and back-to-back bowl appearances in 2014-15. Memphis receivers registered 148 receptions, 1,687 yards and four touchdowns in 2013 and upped that total to 255 catches for 3,277 yards and 19 touchdowns before he left in 2015.
Defensive staff
Pete Golding
Golding was promoted to defensive coordinator after serving as the Crimson Tide co-defensive coordinator in 2018. He will continue to coach the inside linebackers. Prior to Alabama, Golding spent two years as the defensive coordinator at Texas-San Antonio and boasts eight years of experience coordinating defense across four different coaching stops.
Brian Baker
Baker, a 19-year NFL coaching veteran, joins the Crimson Tide's staff to coach the defensive line and serve as the associate head coach after three seasons tutoring one of the nation's top defensive fronts at Mississippi State. Prior to his time with the Bulldogs, Baker coached the defensive line or outside linebackers from 1996-2014 in the NFL with the Chargers, Lions, Vikings, Rams, Panthers, Cowboys, Browns and Redskins. Baker's leadership was evident in his three seasons in Starkville as the Bulldogs' produced multiple first team All-SEC defensive linemen for the first time in school history with Montez Sweat and Jeffery Simmons combining for 58.5 tackles for loss and 29 sacks over their final two seasons at MSU.
Charles Kelly
Kelly, a native of Ozark, Ala., joins the Crimson Tide's staff to serve as the associate defensive coordinator and safeties coach after one season as the special teams coordinator and safeties coach at Tennessee. He spent five seasons at Florida State (2013-17), including the final four years as the Seminoles' defensive coordinator. His defenses in Tallahassee ranked in the nation's top 25 his final three years, including No. 18 in 2017, after allowing only 331.1 total yards per game. FSU finished 22nd nationally in total defense in 2016 (349.1 ypg) and his 2015 unit ranked ninth in scoring defense (17.8 ppg). He coached 10 NFL Draft picks as the coordinator for the 'Noles, including first-round defensive backs Jalen Ramsey (No. 5 overall) and Derwin James (No. 17).
Sal Sunseri
Sunseri returns to Tuscaloosa to coach the outside linebackers after making an immediate impact on the Florida defensive line in 2018. His front wreaked havoc on opposing teams' backfields as the Gators forced 11 fumbles and totaled 37 sacks in 2018. Prior to Florida, he spent three seasons as the Oakland Raiders' linebackers coach (2015-17). He worked on Jimbo Fisher's staff at Florida State in 2013 and 2014, coaching defensive ends in 2013 before being promoted to defensive head coach in 2014. The Seminoles were 28-1 during Sunseri's tenure, winning the BCS national title at the end of the 2013 season and qualifying for the first College Football Playoff in 2014. He spent three seasons at Alabama (2009-11) as the assistant head coach and outside linebackers coach. Sunseri left Alabama following the 2011 season to serve as Tennessee's defensive coordinator.
Jeff Banks (special teams coordinator/tight ends) and Karl Scott (cornerbacks) remain on staff from last season along with Golding. Full staff bios can be found at rolltide.com.
All such employment contracts are subject to approval by The University of Alabama Board of Trustees.
This report was acquired from a recent press release from Alabama.
February 1
Support staff update
Support Staff | ICYMI: Nick Saban puts together high caliber staff before NSD
Mike Stoops
Former Defensive Coordinator at Oklahoma
New role: Defensive analyst at Alabama
Oklahoma defensive coordinator from 2012-2018. Was the head coach at Arizona from 2004-11. As the Wildcats head coach he was 41-50 and 1-2 in bowl games. Also was an associate head coach at Kansas State where he worked with the defensive backs from 1996-98.
Butch Jones
Former Head Coach at Tennessee
New Role: Offensive analyst at Alabama
Jones will enter his second year at Alabama as an offensive analyst. From 2013-17 he was the head coach at Tennessee, he was also the head coach at Cincinnati from 2010-12, and the head coach at Central Michigan from 2007-09. Throughout his career Jones has coached on the offensive side of the football ranging from running backs to tight ends, to receivers. From what we’ve heard, Nick Saban really likes Jones’ high level to attention to detail.
Joe Pannunzio
Former Runnings Back Coach at Alabama
New Role: Support staff
Pannunzio has been at Alabama since the 2017 season when he came from Miami where he worked with the tight ends from 2006-10. Pannunzio was the tight ends and special teams coach at Alabama during the 2017 season, then moved to coach the running backs during the 2018 season.
Burton Burns
Former Runnings Backs Coach at Alabama
New Role: Support staff
Burns has been at Alabama since the 2017 season. From 2007-17, Burns coached the running backs helping Alabama establish the title “Running back U”. From 1999-06, Burns coached the running backs at Clemson.
Vinnie Sunseri
Former defensive back at Alabama
New Role: Support staff
Son of Sal Sunseri who was just hired at Alabama to coach the outside linebackers, Vinnie played at Alabama from 2011-14 and would eventually be drafted in the 5th round at pick 167 by the New Orleans Saints. Is a member of the 2011 and 2012 national championship teams at Alabama.
Tino Sunseri
A former staff member at Tennessee
New Role: Support staff
Younger son of Sal Sunseri played quarterback for three years at Pittsburgh. Last season Tino served as the quality control assistant at Tennessee where he worked with the quarterbacks.
Also interviewed for an analyst position
Major Applewhite - Former Houston HC
Former head coach at Houston
New Role: TBA
Applewhite was fired last year following Houston’s 70-14 loss to Army in the Armed Forces Bowl. He went 15-11 during his two seasons in charge of the Cougars. Applewhite was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama during the 2007 season.
January 28
Nick Saban puts together high caliber staff right before Signing Day
January 27
Report: Alabama to add Brian Baker to coaching staff
January 24
Here are how things stand as of January 24.
Head Coach: Nick Saban
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Quarterbacks Coach: TBA (Likely Steve Sarkisian)
Running Backs: Charles Huff and Co-Offensive Coordinator (Not sure what will happen with Joe Pannunzio - Maybe off the field position
Receivers Coach: Holom Wiggins (Not sure what will happen with Butch Jones - Maybe off the field position ) Read more
Offensive Line Coach: Kyle Flood former Rutgers head coach
Tight Ends Coach/Special Teams: Jeff Banks
Defensive Coordinator/Insider Linebackers: Pete Golding (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Outside Linebackers: TBA (Sal Sunseri hired on Friday, January 19)
Defensive Line Coach: Craig Kuligowski
CO-Defensive Coordinator/Secondary coach: Charles Kelly who was hired on the 20th from Tennessee)
Safeties Coach: Karl Scott
Who we are watching…
Craig Kuligowski - We’ve heard he’s been told to look elsewhere. What is the timeline of him leaving Alabama? We have heard this could happen after Signing Day.
Freddie Roach - Current assistant coach and defensive line coach at Ole Miss. With Craig Kuligowski likely out, adding Roach seems the most likely. Roach coached at Alabama where he was the director of development from 2015-2017.
Bo Davis - Like I said before, I have heard that Nick Saban wants Davis coaching the defensive line, but I’m not sure if that is going to happen or not. Davis is currently coaching the defensive line for the Detroit Lions. A member of two national championships during his time as a college coach, Davis’ coaching career includes 10 total seasons as a member of Nick Saban’s coaching staffs at Alabama (2007-10, 2014-15) and LSU (2002-05).
January 23 Update
Holmon Wiggins is in as WR coach
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/t...ginia-tech’s-holmon-wiggins-as-wr-coach.94851/
January 22 Update
Late January Team Nuggets... (Clues to what could happen with the assistant coaches)
January 21 Update
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Here are how things stand as of January 21.
Head Coach: Nick Saban
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Quarterbacks Coach: TBA (Likely Steve Sarkisian)
Running Backs: Charles Huff and Co-Offensive Coordinator (Not sure what will happen with Joe Pannunzio - Maybe off the field position
Receivers Coach: Butch Jones or Lance Taylor (But heard that Lance Taylor did not interview well)
Offensive Line Coach: Kyle Flood former Rutgers head coach
Tight Ends Coach/Special Teams: Jeff Banks
Defensive Coordinator/Insider Linebackers: Pete Golding (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Outside Linebackers: TBA (Sal Sunseri hired on Friday, January 19)
Defensive Line Coach: Craig Kuligowski
CO-Defensive Coordinator/Secondary coach: Charles Kelly who was hired on the 20th from Tennessee)
Safeties Coach: Karl Scott
Overview on the latest two coaching hires
Nick Saban added his 10th assistant coach on January 20 with the addition of Charles Huff. Huff, 35, has spent the past two years as Mississippi State’s run-game coordinator and running backs. Before that, he served as Penn State’s special teams coordinator/running backs coach from 2013-17 where he helped developed Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley.
Adding Huff is a very key addition and an upgrade to the running back position as a whole. Huff worked hand in hand with NFL 1st Round Draft Pick Saquon Barkley and him having Najee Harris, Brian Robinson, Jerome Ford, and Trey Sanders to work with will pay dividends for Alabama as soon as Huff makes his way to Tuscaloosa. Another key factor about Huff is he has ties to the Maryland area with his home town being Denton, Maryland. Over the last few years, Alabama has landed some top tier talent from the Maryland area and with Huff coming on board Alabama should still be able to dip into their northeast recruiting pipeline.
Read more on Huff here
Charles Kelly comes over to Tuscaloosa from the Tennessee coaching staff where he coached special teams as well as the safeties. Kelly played a key role at Florida State from 2014-17 where he was the defensive coordinator. It looks as though Kelly will be a co-defensive coordinator at Alabama alongside Pete Golding. Sources have told us that Saban wanted a Defensive Coordinator that also had experience with the secondary, that is something that Tosh Lupoi lacked.
Read more on Kelly here
Three things we are tracking
1. What position will Butch Jones coach?
It looked as though offensive analyst Butch Jones would take over as the running backs coach at Alabama, but that seems to be before Lance Taylor interviewed. Sources have told us that Taylor did not interview well, he was actually interviewed twice from what we gather. This is where Charles Huff's name came into the picture. With adding Huff, it looks as though Jones will now coach the receivers at Alabama.
2. Did things go cold between Lance Taylor and Alabama?
It looks that way, but as you know never say never. I would venture to say adding Huff is a better addition than landing Taylor. Read up on Charles Huff and you'll be VERY impressed. While the better option could be having both Taylor and Huff, Jones and Huff will be sufficient. The question is: Recruiting. How will Butch Jones fare as a recruiter for Alabama?
3. Will Bo Davis come back to Alabama?
After the season there was the word that Alabama defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski would be out, but as for now he remains on staff. Bo Davis is obviously a popular name, but as for now Kuligowski is working with the defensive line and recruiting for Alabama. Things could change after signing day. So stay tuned.
January 20 Update
Charles Huff is in
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/t...fifth-new-assistant-coach-to-its-staff.94767/
January 19 Update
Charles Kelly is in
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/t...essees-charles-kelly-to-coaching-staff.94746/
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Here are how things stand as of January 19.
Head Coach: Nick Saban
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Quarterbacks Coach: TBA (Likely Steve Sarkisian)
Running Backs: Butch Jones (Not sure what will happen with Joe Pannunzio)
Receivers Coach: TBA
Offensive Line Coach: Kyle Flood former Rutgers head coach was reportedly hired on Saturday, January 19
Tight Ends Coach/Special Teams: Jeff Banks
Defensive Coordinator/Insider Linebackers: Pete Golding (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Outside Linebackers: TBA (Sal Sunseri was reportedly hired on Friday, January 19)
Defensive Line Coach: Craig Kuligowski
Secondary Coach: Karl Scott
Two new names
As you can see Alabama has eight assistant coaches as of January 19. This morning we are watching two new names. Charles Huff who is the Associate head coach and run game coordinator at Miss. State. From 2014-17 Huff coached the running backs at Penn State. Sources told us last night that a deal between Alabama and Huff is on the table.
Charles Kelly who is the special team's coach and safeties coach at Tennessee is another name on Alabama's list. With Tennessee hiring Tee Martin, the Vols have 11 assistant coaches, which means they need to let go of one assistant coach, which could be Kelly. Kelly was the defensive coordinator at Florida State in 2014 helping Florida State to the college football playoffs.
January 18 Update
Kyle Flood set to join Alabama's coaching staff
Sal Sunseri is back to coach with Alabama
January 17 Update
Here are where things stand as of Thursday, January 17
Head Coach: Nick Saban
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Quarterbacks Coach: TBA (Likely Steve Sarkisian)
Running Backs: Butch Jones (Not sure what will happen with Joe Pannunzio)
Receivers Coach: TBA
Offensive Line Coach: TBA
Tight Ends Coach/Special Teams: Jeff Banks
Defensive Coordinator/Insider Linebackers: Pete Golding (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Outside Linebackers: TBA
Defensive Line Coach: Craig Kuligowski
Secondary Coach: Karl Scott
The Latest
Tosh Lupoi takes defensive line position with the Cleveland Browns
We’ll start with the biggest news from Wednesday: Tosh Lupoi is out as defensive coordinator and the outside linebackers coach at Alabama. As I mentioned back on Sunday, Saban wanted Lupoi out and with Freddie Kitchens landing the head coaching job at Cleveland, that made for a perfect spot to push Lupoi to.
I heard that Saban helped Lupoi get that position with the Browns so Lupoi would not end up coaching at Georgia. The loss of Lupoi will have a good effect on recruiting as Lupoi was their “west coach” guy, but overall Saban felt that Lupoi could not handle the responsibility of calling the defense. We’d build a defensive coordinator hot board, but that does not make sense with Pete Golding already on staff.
Expect Golding to be named the defensive coordinator and this also gives us insight to why Golding did not leave to Ole Miss, when the Rebels put some real money on the table. Looks like Saban wanted to keep Golding and this was all Saban’s plan.
Butch Jones to be running backs coach at Alabama
Jones was basically down to three options at the end of the season: Try to find a head coaching position, go with Mike Locksley to Maryland or stay at Alabama in some capacity. The end result was staying at Alabama where he will coach the running backs. I was able to confirm late Wednesday evening that Jones will indeed coach the running backs. Now, what does that mean for current running backs coach Joe Pannunzio? Not exactly sure, last year Pannunzio was supposed to take an off the field position but ended up being named the running backs coach and it was Burton Burns who took the off the field role.
Vinnie Sunseri joins Alabama’s staff
Reports came out Wednesday evening that former Alabama safety Vinnie Suneri was named as a graduate assistant. Sunseri who played at Alabama as a freshman in 2011 was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2014 in the 5th round. Sunseri also was a member of the New England Patriots and the 49ers before joining the Crimson Tide coaching staff.
Lance Taylor has interviewed twice for receivers position
Taylor, who spent the past two seasons as the wide receivers coach for the Carolina Panthers, began his coaching career as a graduate assistant under Nick Saban at Alabama from 2007-08. He played for the Crimson Tide from 1999-2003 and has two interviews by Nick Saban, but has not been offered a job just yet. Read more here
Kyle Flood is a candidate for the offensive line position
Flood spent the past two years as the Falcons’ assistant offensive line coach. In 2017, he helped offensive line coach Chris Morgan produce a unit that ranked tied for No. 3 in the NFL, surrendering just 24 sacks. However, this season the Falcons have struggled up front, giving up 42 sacks while averaging just 98.3 yards per game on the ground. Read more here
Is Craig Kuligowski out as well?
I have not been able to confirm if Kuligowski is out as Alabama’s defensive line coach. This news would not surprise me and it looks like Kuligowski has interviewed to be the new head coach at Northern Illinois. More to come.
Who left and to where
Mike Locksley - Former Offensive Coordinator - Maryland Head Coach
Josh Gattis - Former WR Coach - Michigan OC
Dan Enos - Former QB Coach - Miami OC
Brent Key - Former OL Coach - Associate HC at Georgia Tech
Tosh Lupoi - Former Defensive Coordinator - Cleveland Brown’s DL Coach
To Recap
Nick Saban needs to fill the following positions
QB Coach (Likely Sarkisian)
OC Coordinator (Likely Sarkisian)
WR Coach
OL Coach
DC Coordinator (Likely Golding)
OLB Coach
January 16 Update
Vinnie Sunseri joins Alabama’s staff
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/threads/vinnie-sunseri.94667/
Tosh Lupoi takes DL job with Cleveland Browns
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/t...dc-tosh-lupoi-to-join-cleveland-browns.94658/
Butch Jones to stay at Alabama
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/t...nes-to-remain-with-alabama-next-season.94653/
New WR coach candidate - Lance Taylor
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/threads/alabama-interviews-lance-taylor.94634/
January 15 Update
New OL coach candidate - Kyle Flood
LINK
Here are where things stand as of Tuesday, January 15.
Coaches at Alabama
Head Coach: Nick Saban
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian (has not officially announced by Saban)
Quarterbacks Coach: TBA
Receivers Coach: TBA
Running Backs: Joe Pannunzio
Offensive Line Coach: TBA
Tight Ends Coach/Special Teams: Jeff Banks
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers: Tosh Lupoi
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Insider Linebackers: Pete Golding
Defensive Line Coach: Craig Kuligowski
Secondary Coach: Karl Scott
Who left and to where
Mike Locksley - Former Offensive Coordinator - Maryland Head Coach
Josh Gattis - Former WR Coach - Michigan OC
Dan Enos - Former QB Coach - Miami OC
Brent Key - Former OL Coach - Associate HC at Georgia Tech
Recent Candidate Updates
Chip Long - Current OC at Notre Dame - For the second year in a row, Long has shown some interest in joining Nick Saban, but for the second year in a row Long has stayed at Notre Dame. I am wondering if a "CO" title did not sit well with Long.
Tee Martin - Former USC OC - Hired by Tennessee on January 15. I have been able to confirm that Martin was in contact with Sarkisian about joining Alabama, but was never offered a job to coach at Alabama from Nick Saban.
Who's left from our candidate hot board
Larry Fedora, former head coach at North Carolina
Derek Dooley, offensive coordinator at Missouri
Major Applewhite, former head coach at Houston
Dan Werner, quarterbacks coach at South Carolina
Bryan McClendon, offensive coordinator at South Carolina
Butch Jones, offensive analyst at Alabama
What we know on Butch Jones
We cannot get a clear idea on what will happen with Alabama offensive analyst Butch Jones. The most we know is it's between Alabama and Maryland. If he was to stay at Alabama, I'd envision him taking over the receivers on offense. At Maryland, I would think he is the offensive coordinator. Jones was seen on a plane Monday headed to Baltimore, Maryland.
A new name to the list: Lance Taylor
Lane Taylor who played at Alabama and started as a walk-on from 1990-2003 is the current receivers coach for the Carolina Panthers. Taylor has been with the Panthers since 2017 and previously served as the running backs coach at Stanford from 2014-16. Taylor has a very good resume and looks as someone who could fit in nicely in-place of Josh Gattis who left to coach at Michigan.
More updates will be added when available
January 12th Update
Steve Sarkisian is back
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/threads/steve-sarkisian.94481
January 11th Update
Ok, everyone. It's offensive coordinator hot board time. Here are the names we've come up with (more info on each of our candidates to follow). Just wanted to get these names in front of you now.
Note: We'll add and subtract names as we move forward. While we'll put everything here, we'll also make sure to give you the insight into whether what stories are true and which are false.
Now that Dan Enos has moved on to Miami, Alabama will have to look elsewhere to find its fifth offensive coordinator in four years. Here are a few names head coach Nick Saban might consider as he looks to make a hire.
Tee Martin, former offensive coordinator at Southern California
Why it makes sense: Sources tell BamaInsider that Alabama has expressed interest in Martin in some capacity. The former Tennessee quarterback has also received interest from his alma mater as well as Maryland due to his previous ties to Mike Locksley when the two worked together at New Mexico. Martin was fired from his Southern California in December following the Trojans’ disappointing 5-7 season. Earlier in the year, he was stripped of his play-calling duties.
Despite his recent struggles, Martin remains an intriguing option. The Mobile, Ala., native is viewed as a top recruiter and has ties in what is viewed as a major battleground between Alabama, Auburn and LSU. As a former SEC quarterback, he could also be instrumental in the further development of Tua Tagovailoa. If not hired as the offensive coordinator, Martin might still be an option for the Crimson Tide’s openings at quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach.
Chip Long, offensive coordinator at Notre Dame
Why it makes sense: Like Martin, Long is an Alabama native, growing up in Birmingham. The former North Alabama tight end has been solid during his two years at Notre Dame, helping the Irish to the College Football Playoff this past season. Long oversaw a balanced attack at Notre Dame last season as the Irish ranked No. 32 in the nation in total offense with 440.1 yards per game. Long also served as offensive coordinator at Memphis in 2016.
Larry Fedora, former head coach at North Carolina
Why it makes sense: This would be a splashier hire as Fedora and would continue Saban’s recent run of former head coaches turned assistants. Fedora spent the past seven seasons as North Carolina’s head coach before being fired in November following a 2-7 season. Know for his creative spread offenses, Fedora helped turn around Southern Miss during his four seasons as head coach with the Golden Eagles. He also has experience as an offensive coordinator at Florida and Middle Tennessee
Derek Dooley, offensive coordinator at Missouri
Why it makes sense: Dooley has plenty of experienced working under Saban, serving as his tight ends coach at LSU from 2000-04 before following him to the Miami Dolphins to take the same position from 2005-06. While he experienced an up-and-down head coaching career at Louisiana Tech (2007-09) and Tennessee (2010-12), Dooley has had better luck as an offensive coordinator. This season, he helped Missouri rank No. 13 in total offense (481.8 yards per game) and No. 18 in scoring offense (36.6 points per game). Dooley also served as the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator from 2013-17.
Major Applewhite, former head coach at Houston
Why it makes sense: Applewhite served as the offensive coordinator at Alabama during Saban’s first year with the Crimson Tide. Like Fedora and Dooley, he would bring head coaching experience as he spent the last two seasons in charge of Houston. Applewhite posted a 15-11 record at Houston but was fired in December after a 70-14 loss to Army in the Armed Forces Bowl that capped off an 8-5 season. Under Applewhite last season, Houston ranked No. 5 in scoring offense (43.9 points per game) and No. 7 in total offense (512.5 yards per game). Applewhite has also served as an offensive coordinator at Rice and Texas.
Dan Werner, quarterbacks coach at South Carolina
Why it makes sense: Werner worked under Saban as an offensive analyst during the 2017 season. He was also a part of Ole Miss teams that upset Alabama in 2014 and 2015. In 2015, the noted quarterback guru helped the Rebels set program records for scoring (531), touchdowns (68), total offense (6,731), passing yards (4,351), passing touchdowns (35), 50+ point games (4) and games with more than 600 yards of offense (3).
"Dan is a really good coach,” Saban during the 2017 season. “He’s been very, very helpful in doing self-scout and the things we do on offense, and also making contributions every week to some things that will compliment some of the things that we do and I think it's been very, very beneficial to helping us sort of have a little more of an NFL flavor in terms of some of the passing game, but also be able to do some of the things that Jalen is pretty good at from a spread standpoint. I think he's been very, very helpful in planning some of the things we've done on offense.”
Bryan McClendon, offensive coordinator at South Carolina
Why it makes sense: Another option out of South Carolina would be McClendon, who is quickly becoming one of the hottest names in assistant coaching. South Carolina promoted McClendon to offensive coordinator last season as he previously served as the co-offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach. This season, the former Georgia receiver helped the Gamecocks rank No. 26 in passing offense, averaging 272.8 yards per game through the air. McClendon also coached running backs and receivers at Georgia from 2009-15 and served as the Bulldogs’ interim head coach during a 24-17 victory over Penn State in the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl.
Butch Jones, offensive analyst at Alabama
Why it makes sense: Going from “intern” to offensive coordinator might seem like a stretch, but Jones might be a good backup plan for Alabama. After working with Saban over the past season, he is already familiar with the Crimson Tide’s offense. Jones would also bring head-coaching experience with him after coaching at Tennessee (2013-17), Cincinnati (2010-12) and Central Michigan (2007-09). Jones has also served as an offensive coordinator at Central Michigan, Ferris State and Wilkes University. When asked about Jones earlier this season, Saban called the analyst a “very bright guy.” Jones was rumored to join Mike Locksley’s staff at Maryland, but a deal has not yet been finalized.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced the addition of seven assistant coaches Friday, including Steve Sarkisian as the offensive coordinator and the promotion of Pete Golding to defensive coordinator.
Along with Golding and Sarkisian, the Crimson Tide added Brian Baker(associate head coach/defensive line), Charles Huff (associate head coach/running backs), Charles Kelly (associate defensive coordinator/safeties), Kyle Flood (offensive line), Sal Sunseri (outside linebackers) and Holmon Wiggins (wide receivers).
"We are excited to be able to assemble such a talented group of coaches to develop our players both on and off the field," Saban said. "These coaches have a great mix of energy, enthusiasm and experience that will be a tremendous asset to our program. They are all excellent teachers of the game and fantastic recruiters who bring a wealth of experience to our staff."
Offensive staff
Steve Sarkisian
Sarkisian arrives in Tuscaloosa to coordinate the offense and coach the quarterbacks after two seasons as the Atlanta Falcons' offensive coordinator. He served as the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator for the 2017 College Football Championship Game after spending the 2016 season as an offensive analyst for the Crimson Tide. In Atlanta a season ago, Sarkisian's offenses finished in the top 10 in the NFL in passing yards (fourth – 4,653 yards), total yards (sixth – 6,226 yards) and 10th in scoring (25.9 ppg). In 2018, quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 4,924 yards with 35 touchdowns while Julio Jones caught 113 passes for 1,677 yards and eight touchdowns and Calvin Ridley added 64 catches for 821 yards and a team-high 10 scores.
Kyle Flood
Flood takes over Alabama's offensive front after two years as the Atlanta Falcons assistant offensive line coach where he worked with Sarkisian. He had just been promoted with the Falcons to game/clock management coach before joining the Tide. Prior to his time with the Falcons, Flood spent four years at the head coach at Rutgers where he led the Scarlet Knights to bowl games in each of his first three seasons. He was on staff at Rutgers in total for 11 season, also serving as the assistant head coach, co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Flood boasts 19 years of experience coaching the offensive line at the collegiate and NFL levels.
Charles Huff
Huff arrives in Tuscaloosa to tutor the running backs and serves as the Tide's associate head coach after one season as the assistant head coach, run-game coordinator and running backs coach at Mississippi State. He boasts 15 years of coaching experience on both the NFL and college level with stops at Penn State (2014-17), Western Michigan (2013), the Buffalo Bills (2012), Vanderbilt (2011), Hampton (2010), Maryland (2009) and Tennessee State (2006-08). His one season in Starkville produced an effective rushing attacked that averaged 223.6 yards per game to rank second in the SEC and 20th nationally. At Penn State, he recruited and developed one of the game's most electrifying players in running back Saquon Barkley who became the highest drafted NFL running back since Reggie Bush (No. 2) in 2006 and went on to win the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018.
Holmon Wiggins
Wiggins comes to Tuscaloosa to coach wide receivers after three years (2015-18) coaching the same unit at Virginia Tech under head coach Justin Fuente. He also worked for Fuente at Memphis for four seasons (2012-15) working with the wideouts. Wiggins oversaw the development of Tech's receivers over the past three years, highlighted by Cam Phillips, who established himself as Tech's career leader in receptions and receiving yards. At Memphis, he helped the Tigers to 19 victories and back-to-back bowl appearances in 2014-15. Memphis receivers registered 148 receptions, 1,687 yards and four touchdowns in 2013 and upped that total to 255 catches for 3,277 yards and 19 touchdowns before he left in 2015.
Defensive staff
Pete Golding
Golding was promoted to defensive coordinator after serving as the Crimson Tide co-defensive coordinator in 2018. He will continue to coach the inside linebackers. Prior to Alabama, Golding spent two years as the defensive coordinator at Texas-San Antonio and boasts eight years of experience coordinating defense across four different coaching stops.
Brian Baker
Baker, a 19-year NFL coaching veteran, joins the Crimson Tide's staff to coach the defensive line and serve as the associate head coach after three seasons tutoring one of the nation's top defensive fronts at Mississippi State. Prior to his time with the Bulldogs, Baker coached the defensive line or outside linebackers from 1996-2014 in the NFL with the Chargers, Lions, Vikings, Rams, Panthers, Cowboys, Browns and Redskins. Baker's leadership was evident in his three seasons in Starkville as the Bulldogs' produced multiple first team All-SEC defensive linemen for the first time in school history with Montez Sweat and Jeffery Simmons combining for 58.5 tackles for loss and 29 sacks over their final two seasons at MSU.
Charles Kelly
Kelly, a native of Ozark, Ala., joins the Crimson Tide's staff to serve as the associate defensive coordinator and safeties coach after one season as the special teams coordinator and safeties coach at Tennessee. He spent five seasons at Florida State (2013-17), including the final four years as the Seminoles' defensive coordinator. His defenses in Tallahassee ranked in the nation's top 25 his final three years, including No. 18 in 2017, after allowing only 331.1 total yards per game. FSU finished 22nd nationally in total defense in 2016 (349.1 ypg) and his 2015 unit ranked ninth in scoring defense (17.8 ppg). He coached 10 NFL Draft picks as the coordinator for the 'Noles, including first-round defensive backs Jalen Ramsey (No. 5 overall) and Derwin James (No. 17).
Sal Sunseri
Sunseri returns to Tuscaloosa to coach the outside linebackers after making an immediate impact on the Florida defensive line in 2018. His front wreaked havoc on opposing teams' backfields as the Gators forced 11 fumbles and totaled 37 sacks in 2018. Prior to Florida, he spent three seasons as the Oakland Raiders' linebackers coach (2015-17). He worked on Jimbo Fisher's staff at Florida State in 2013 and 2014, coaching defensive ends in 2013 before being promoted to defensive head coach in 2014. The Seminoles were 28-1 during Sunseri's tenure, winning the BCS national title at the end of the 2013 season and qualifying for the first College Football Playoff in 2014. He spent three seasons at Alabama (2009-11) as the assistant head coach and outside linebackers coach. Sunseri left Alabama following the 2011 season to serve as Tennessee's defensive coordinator.
Jeff Banks (special teams coordinator/tight ends) and Karl Scott (cornerbacks) remain on staff from last season along with Golding. Full staff bios can be found at rolltide.com.
All such employment contracts are subject to approval by The University of Alabama Board of Trustees.
This report was acquired from a recent press release from Alabama.
February 1
Support staff update
Support Staff | ICYMI: Nick Saban puts together high caliber staff before NSD
Mike Stoops
Former Defensive Coordinator at Oklahoma
New role: Defensive analyst at Alabama
Oklahoma defensive coordinator from 2012-2018. Was the head coach at Arizona from 2004-11. As the Wildcats head coach he was 41-50 and 1-2 in bowl games. Also was an associate head coach at Kansas State where he worked with the defensive backs from 1996-98.
Butch Jones
Former Head Coach at Tennessee
New Role: Offensive analyst at Alabama
Jones will enter his second year at Alabama as an offensive analyst. From 2013-17 he was the head coach at Tennessee, he was also the head coach at Cincinnati from 2010-12, and the head coach at Central Michigan from 2007-09. Throughout his career Jones has coached on the offensive side of the football ranging from running backs to tight ends, to receivers. From what we’ve heard, Nick Saban really likes Jones’ high level to attention to detail.
Joe Pannunzio
Former Runnings Back Coach at Alabama
New Role: Support staff
Pannunzio has been at Alabama since the 2017 season when he came from Miami where he worked with the tight ends from 2006-10. Pannunzio was the tight ends and special teams coach at Alabama during the 2017 season, then moved to coach the running backs during the 2018 season.
Burton Burns
Former Runnings Backs Coach at Alabama
New Role: Support staff
Burns has been at Alabama since the 2017 season. From 2007-17, Burns coached the running backs helping Alabama establish the title “Running back U”. From 1999-06, Burns coached the running backs at Clemson.
Vinnie Sunseri
Former defensive back at Alabama
New Role: Support staff
Son of Sal Sunseri who was just hired at Alabama to coach the outside linebackers, Vinnie played at Alabama from 2011-14 and would eventually be drafted in the 5th round at pick 167 by the New Orleans Saints. Is a member of the 2011 and 2012 national championship teams at Alabama.
Tino Sunseri
A former staff member at Tennessee
New Role: Support staff
Younger son of Sal Sunseri played quarterback for three years at Pittsburgh. Last season Tino served as the quality control assistant at Tennessee where he worked with the quarterbacks.
Also interviewed for an analyst position
Major Applewhite - Former Houston HC
Former head coach at Houston
New Role: TBA
Applewhite was fired last year following Houston’s 70-14 loss to Army in the Armed Forces Bowl. He went 15-11 during his two seasons in charge of the Cougars. Applewhite was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama during the 2007 season.
January 28
Nick Saban puts together high caliber staff right before Signing Day
January 27
Report: Alabama to add Brian Baker to coaching staff
January 24
Here are how things stand as of January 24.
Head Coach: Nick Saban
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Quarterbacks Coach: TBA (Likely Steve Sarkisian)
Running Backs: Charles Huff and Co-Offensive Coordinator (Not sure what will happen with Joe Pannunzio - Maybe off the field position
Receivers Coach: Holom Wiggins (Not sure what will happen with Butch Jones - Maybe off the field position ) Read more
Offensive Line Coach: Kyle Flood former Rutgers head coach
Tight Ends Coach/Special Teams: Jeff Banks
Defensive Coordinator/Insider Linebackers: Pete Golding (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Outside Linebackers: TBA (Sal Sunseri hired on Friday, January 19)
Defensive Line Coach: Craig Kuligowski
CO-Defensive Coordinator/Secondary coach: Charles Kelly who was hired on the 20th from Tennessee)
Safeties Coach: Karl Scott
Who we are watching…
Craig Kuligowski - We’ve heard he’s been told to look elsewhere. What is the timeline of him leaving Alabama? We have heard this could happen after Signing Day.
Freddie Roach - Current assistant coach and defensive line coach at Ole Miss. With Craig Kuligowski likely out, adding Roach seems the most likely. Roach coached at Alabama where he was the director of development from 2015-2017.
Bo Davis - Like I said before, I have heard that Nick Saban wants Davis coaching the defensive line, but I’m not sure if that is going to happen or not. Davis is currently coaching the defensive line for the Detroit Lions. A member of two national championships during his time as a college coach, Davis’ coaching career includes 10 total seasons as a member of Nick Saban’s coaching staffs at Alabama (2007-10, 2014-15) and LSU (2002-05).
January 23 Update
Holmon Wiggins is in as WR coach
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/t...ginia-tech’s-holmon-wiggins-as-wr-coach.94851/
January 22 Update
Late January Team Nuggets... (Clues to what could happen with the assistant coaches)
January 21 Update
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Here are how things stand as of January 21.
Head Coach: Nick Saban
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Quarterbacks Coach: TBA (Likely Steve Sarkisian)
Running Backs: Charles Huff and Co-Offensive Coordinator (Not sure what will happen with Joe Pannunzio - Maybe off the field position
Receivers Coach: Butch Jones or Lance Taylor (But heard that Lance Taylor did not interview well)
Offensive Line Coach: Kyle Flood former Rutgers head coach
Tight Ends Coach/Special Teams: Jeff Banks
Defensive Coordinator/Insider Linebackers: Pete Golding (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Outside Linebackers: TBA (Sal Sunseri hired on Friday, January 19)
Defensive Line Coach: Craig Kuligowski
CO-Defensive Coordinator/Secondary coach: Charles Kelly who was hired on the 20th from Tennessee)
Safeties Coach: Karl Scott
Overview on the latest two coaching hires
Nick Saban added his 10th assistant coach on January 20 with the addition of Charles Huff. Huff, 35, has spent the past two years as Mississippi State’s run-game coordinator and running backs. Before that, he served as Penn State’s special teams coordinator/running backs coach from 2013-17 where he helped developed Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley.
Adding Huff is a very key addition and an upgrade to the running back position as a whole. Huff worked hand in hand with NFL 1st Round Draft Pick Saquon Barkley and him having Najee Harris, Brian Robinson, Jerome Ford, and Trey Sanders to work with will pay dividends for Alabama as soon as Huff makes his way to Tuscaloosa. Another key factor about Huff is he has ties to the Maryland area with his home town being Denton, Maryland. Over the last few years, Alabama has landed some top tier talent from the Maryland area and with Huff coming on board Alabama should still be able to dip into their northeast recruiting pipeline.
Read more on Huff here
Charles Kelly comes over to Tuscaloosa from the Tennessee coaching staff where he coached special teams as well as the safeties. Kelly played a key role at Florida State from 2014-17 where he was the defensive coordinator. It looks as though Kelly will be a co-defensive coordinator at Alabama alongside Pete Golding. Sources have told us that Saban wanted a Defensive Coordinator that also had experience with the secondary, that is something that Tosh Lupoi lacked.
Read more on Kelly here
Three things we are tracking
1. What position will Butch Jones coach?
It looked as though offensive analyst Butch Jones would take over as the running backs coach at Alabama, but that seems to be before Lance Taylor interviewed. Sources have told us that Taylor did not interview well, he was actually interviewed twice from what we gather. This is where Charles Huff's name came into the picture. With adding Huff, it looks as though Jones will now coach the receivers at Alabama.
2. Did things go cold between Lance Taylor and Alabama?
It looks that way, but as you know never say never. I would venture to say adding Huff is a better addition than landing Taylor. Read up on Charles Huff and you'll be VERY impressed. While the better option could be having both Taylor and Huff, Jones and Huff will be sufficient. The question is: Recruiting. How will Butch Jones fare as a recruiter for Alabama?
3. Will Bo Davis come back to Alabama?
After the season there was the word that Alabama defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski would be out, but as for now he remains on staff. Bo Davis is obviously a popular name, but as for now Kuligowski is working with the defensive line and recruiting for Alabama. Things could change after signing day. So stay tuned.
January 20 Update
Charles Huff is in
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/t...fifth-new-assistant-coach-to-its-staff.94767/
January 19 Update
Charles Kelly is in
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/t...essees-charles-kelly-to-coaching-staff.94746/
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Here are how things stand as of January 19.
Head Coach: Nick Saban
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Quarterbacks Coach: TBA (Likely Steve Sarkisian)
Running Backs: Butch Jones (Not sure what will happen with Joe Pannunzio)
Receivers Coach: TBA
Offensive Line Coach: Kyle Flood former Rutgers head coach was reportedly hired on Saturday, January 19
Tight Ends Coach/Special Teams: Jeff Banks
Defensive Coordinator/Insider Linebackers: Pete Golding (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Outside Linebackers: TBA (Sal Sunseri was reportedly hired on Friday, January 19)
Defensive Line Coach: Craig Kuligowski
Secondary Coach: Karl Scott
Two new names
As you can see Alabama has eight assistant coaches as of January 19. This morning we are watching two new names. Charles Huff who is the Associate head coach and run game coordinator at Miss. State. From 2014-17 Huff coached the running backs at Penn State. Sources told us last night that a deal between Alabama and Huff is on the table.
Charles Kelly who is the special team's coach and safeties coach at Tennessee is another name on Alabama's list. With Tennessee hiring Tee Martin, the Vols have 11 assistant coaches, which means they need to let go of one assistant coach, which could be Kelly. Kelly was the defensive coordinator at Florida State in 2014 helping Florida State to the college football playoffs.
January 18 Update
Kyle Flood set to join Alabama's coaching staff
Sal Sunseri is back to coach with Alabama
January 17 Update
Here are where things stand as of Thursday, January 17
Head Coach: Nick Saban
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Quarterbacks Coach: TBA (Likely Steve Sarkisian)
Running Backs: Butch Jones (Not sure what will happen with Joe Pannunzio)
Receivers Coach: TBA
Offensive Line Coach: TBA
Tight Ends Coach/Special Teams: Jeff Banks
Defensive Coordinator/Insider Linebackers: Pete Golding (has not officially been announced by Saban)
Outside Linebackers: TBA
Defensive Line Coach: Craig Kuligowski
Secondary Coach: Karl Scott
The Latest
Tosh Lupoi takes defensive line position with the Cleveland Browns
We’ll start with the biggest news from Wednesday: Tosh Lupoi is out as defensive coordinator and the outside linebackers coach at Alabama. As I mentioned back on Sunday, Saban wanted Lupoi out and with Freddie Kitchens landing the head coaching job at Cleveland, that made for a perfect spot to push Lupoi to.
I heard that Saban helped Lupoi get that position with the Browns so Lupoi would not end up coaching at Georgia. The loss of Lupoi will have a good effect on recruiting as Lupoi was their “west coach” guy, but overall Saban felt that Lupoi could not handle the responsibility of calling the defense. We’d build a defensive coordinator hot board, but that does not make sense with Pete Golding already on staff.
Expect Golding to be named the defensive coordinator and this also gives us insight to why Golding did not leave to Ole Miss, when the Rebels put some real money on the table. Looks like Saban wanted to keep Golding and this was all Saban’s plan.
Butch Jones to be running backs coach at Alabama
Jones was basically down to three options at the end of the season: Try to find a head coaching position, go with Mike Locksley to Maryland or stay at Alabama in some capacity. The end result was staying at Alabama where he will coach the running backs. I was able to confirm late Wednesday evening that Jones will indeed coach the running backs. Now, what does that mean for current running backs coach Joe Pannunzio? Not exactly sure, last year Pannunzio was supposed to take an off the field position but ended up being named the running backs coach and it was Burton Burns who took the off the field role.
Vinnie Sunseri joins Alabama’s staff
Reports came out Wednesday evening that former Alabama safety Vinnie Suneri was named as a graduate assistant. Sunseri who played at Alabama as a freshman in 2011 was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2014 in the 5th round. Sunseri also was a member of the New England Patriots and the 49ers before joining the Crimson Tide coaching staff.
Lance Taylor has interviewed twice for receivers position
Taylor, who spent the past two seasons as the wide receivers coach for the Carolina Panthers, began his coaching career as a graduate assistant under Nick Saban at Alabama from 2007-08. He played for the Crimson Tide from 1999-2003 and has two interviews by Nick Saban, but has not been offered a job just yet. Read more here
Kyle Flood is a candidate for the offensive line position
Flood spent the past two years as the Falcons’ assistant offensive line coach. In 2017, he helped offensive line coach Chris Morgan produce a unit that ranked tied for No. 3 in the NFL, surrendering just 24 sacks. However, this season the Falcons have struggled up front, giving up 42 sacks while averaging just 98.3 yards per game on the ground. Read more here
Is Craig Kuligowski out as well?
I have not been able to confirm if Kuligowski is out as Alabama’s defensive line coach. This news would not surprise me and it looks like Kuligowski has interviewed to be the new head coach at Northern Illinois. More to come.
Who left and to where
Mike Locksley - Former Offensive Coordinator - Maryland Head Coach
Josh Gattis - Former WR Coach - Michigan OC
Dan Enos - Former QB Coach - Miami OC
Brent Key - Former OL Coach - Associate HC at Georgia Tech
Tosh Lupoi - Former Defensive Coordinator - Cleveland Brown’s DL Coach
To Recap
Nick Saban needs to fill the following positions
QB Coach (Likely Sarkisian)
OC Coordinator (Likely Sarkisian)
WR Coach
OL Coach
DC Coordinator (Likely Golding)
OLB Coach
January 16 Update
Vinnie Sunseri joins Alabama’s staff
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/threads/vinnie-sunseri.94667/
Tosh Lupoi takes DL job with Cleveland Browns
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/t...dc-tosh-lupoi-to-join-cleveland-browns.94658/
Butch Jones to stay at Alabama
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/t...nes-to-remain-with-alabama-next-season.94653/
New WR coach candidate - Lance Taylor
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/threads/alabama-interviews-lance-taylor.94634/
January 15 Update
New OL coach candidate - Kyle Flood
LINK
Here are where things stand as of Tuesday, January 15.
Coaches at Alabama
Head Coach: Nick Saban
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian (has not officially announced by Saban)
Quarterbacks Coach: TBA
Receivers Coach: TBA
Running Backs: Joe Pannunzio
Offensive Line Coach: TBA
Tight Ends Coach/Special Teams: Jeff Banks
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers: Tosh Lupoi
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Insider Linebackers: Pete Golding
Defensive Line Coach: Craig Kuligowski
Secondary Coach: Karl Scott
Who left and to where
Mike Locksley - Former Offensive Coordinator - Maryland Head Coach
Josh Gattis - Former WR Coach - Michigan OC
Dan Enos - Former QB Coach - Miami OC
Brent Key - Former OL Coach - Associate HC at Georgia Tech
Recent Candidate Updates
Chip Long - Current OC at Notre Dame - For the second year in a row, Long has shown some interest in joining Nick Saban, but for the second year in a row Long has stayed at Notre Dame. I am wondering if a "CO" title did not sit well with Long.
Tee Martin - Former USC OC - Hired by Tennessee on January 15. I have been able to confirm that Martin was in contact with Sarkisian about joining Alabama, but was never offered a job to coach at Alabama from Nick Saban.
Who's left from our candidate hot board
Larry Fedora, former head coach at North Carolina
Derek Dooley, offensive coordinator at Missouri
Major Applewhite, former head coach at Houston
Dan Werner, quarterbacks coach at South Carolina
Bryan McClendon, offensive coordinator at South Carolina
Butch Jones, offensive analyst at Alabama
What we know on Butch Jones
We cannot get a clear idea on what will happen with Alabama offensive analyst Butch Jones. The most we know is it's between Alabama and Maryland. If he was to stay at Alabama, I'd envision him taking over the receivers on offense. At Maryland, I would think he is the offensive coordinator. Jones was seen on a plane Monday headed to Baltimore, Maryland.
A new name to the list: Lance Taylor
Lane Taylor who played at Alabama and started as a walk-on from 1990-2003 is the current receivers coach for the Carolina Panthers. Taylor has been with the Panthers since 2017 and previously served as the running backs coach at Stanford from 2014-16. Taylor has a very good resume and looks as someone who could fit in nicely in-place of Josh Gattis who left to coach at Michigan.
More updates will be added when available
January 12th Update
Steve Sarkisian is back
https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/threads/steve-sarkisian.94481
January 11th Update
Ok, everyone. It's offensive coordinator hot board time. Here are the names we've come up with (more info on each of our candidates to follow). Just wanted to get these names in front of you now.
Note: We'll add and subtract names as we move forward. While we'll put everything here, we'll also make sure to give you the insight into whether what stories are true and which are false.
Now that Dan Enos has moved on to Miami, Alabama will have to look elsewhere to find its fifth offensive coordinator in four years. Here are a few names head coach Nick Saban might consider as he looks to make a hire.
Tee Martin, former offensive coordinator at Southern California
Why it makes sense: Sources tell BamaInsider that Alabama has expressed interest in Martin in some capacity. The former Tennessee quarterback has also received interest from his alma mater as well as Maryland due to his previous ties to Mike Locksley when the two worked together at New Mexico. Martin was fired from his Southern California in December following the Trojans’ disappointing 5-7 season. Earlier in the year, he was stripped of his play-calling duties.
Despite his recent struggles, Martin remains an intriguing option. The Mobile, Ala., native is viewed as a top recruiter and has ties in what is viewed as a major battleground between Alabama, Auburn and LSU. As a former SEC quarterback, he could also be instrumental in the further development of Tua Tagovailoa. If not hired as the offensive coordinator, Martin might still be an option for the Crimson Tide’s openings at quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach.
Chip Long, offensive coordinator at Notre Dame
Why it makes sense: Like Martin, Long is an Alabama native, growing up in Birmingham. The former North Alabama tight end has been solid during his two years at Notre Dame, helping the Irish to the College Football Playoff this past season. Long oversaw a balanced attack at Notre Dame last season as the Irish ranked No. 32 in the nation in total offense with 440.1 yards per game. Long also served as offensive coordinator at Memphis in 2016.
Larry Fedora, former head coach at North Carolina
Why it makes sense: This would be a splashier hire as Fedora and would continue Saban’s recent run of former head coaches turned assistants. Fedora spent the past seven seasons as North Carolina’s head coach before being fired in November following a 2-7 season. Know for his creative spread offenses, Fedora helped turn around Southern Miss during his four seasons as head coach with the Golden Eagles. He also has experience as an offensive coordinator at Florida and Middle Tennessee
Derek Dooley, offensive coordinator at Missouri
Why it makes sense: Dooley has plenty of experienced working under Saban, serving as his tight ends coach at LSU from 2000-04 before following him to the Miami Dolphins to take the same position from 2005-06. While he experienced an up-and-down head coaching career at Louisiana Tech (2007-09) and Tennessee (2010-12), Dooley has had better luck as an offensive coordinator. This season, he helped Missouri rank No. 13 in total offense (481.8 yards per game) and No. 18 in scoring offense (36.6 points per game). Dooley also served as the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator from 2013-17.
Major Applewhite, former head coach at Houston
Why it makes sense: Applewhite served as the offensive coordinator at Alabama during Saban’s first year with the Crimson Tide. Like Fedora and Dooley, he would bring head coaching experience as he spent the last two seasons in charge of Houston. Applewhite posted a 15-11 record at Houston but was fired in December after a 70-14 loss to Army in the Armed Forces Bowl that capped off an 8-5 season. Under Applewhite last season, Houston ranked No. 5 in scoring offense (43.9 points per game) and No. 7 in total offense (512.5 yards per game). Applewhite has also served as an offensive coordinator at Rice and Texas.
Dan Werner, quarterbacks coach at South Carolina
Why it makes sense: Werner worked under Saban as an offensive analyst during the 2017 season. He was also a part of Ole Miss teams that upset Alabama in 2014 and 2015. In 2015, the noted quarterback guru helped the Rebels set program records for scoring (531), touchdowns (68), total offense (6,731), passing yards (4,351), passing touchdowns (35), 50+ point games (4) and games with more than 600 yards of offense (3).
"Dan is a really good coach,” Saban during the 2017 season. “He’s been very, very helpful in doing self-scout and the things we do on offense, and also making contributions every week to some things that will compliment some of the things that we do and I think it's been very, very beneficial to helping us sort of have a little more of an NFL flavor in terms of some of the passing game, but also be able to do some of the things that Jalen is pretty good at from a spread standpoint. I think he's been very, very helpful in planning some of the things we've done on offense.”
Bryan McClendon, offensive coordinator at South Carolina
Why it makes sense: Another option out of South Carolina would be McClendon, who is quickly becoming one of the hottest names in assistant coaching. South Carolina promoted McClendon to offensive coordinator last season as he previously served as the co-offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach. This season, the former Georgia receiver helped the Gamecocks rank No. 26 in passing offense, averaging 272.8 yards per game through the air. McClendon also coached running backs and receivers at Georgia from 2009-15 and served as the Bulldogs’ interim head coach during a 24-17 victory over Penn State in the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl.
Butch Jones, offensive analyst at Alabama
Why it makes sense: Going from “intern” to offensive coordinator might seem like a stretch, but Jones might be a good backup plan for Alabama. After working with Saban over the past season, he is already familiar with the Crimson Tide’s offense. Jones would also bring head-coaching experience with him after coaching at Tennessee (2013-17), Cincinnati (2010-12) and Central Michigan (2007-09). Jones has also served as an offensive coordinator at Central Michigan, Ferris State and Wilkes University. When asked about Jones earlier this season, Saban called the analyst a “very bright guy.” Jones was rumored to join Mike Locksley’s staff at Maryland, but a deal has not yet been finalized.
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