Alabama Rumors: OC Tommy Rees Joins Kalen DeBoer, Mike Norvell as Top HC Candidates

zach bacharContributor IJanuary 12, 2024

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Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has emerged as a finalist for the team’s head coaching vacancy, according to Kennington Smith III and Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.

Rees joins Florida State head coach Mike Norvell and Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer as the top candidates to take over the Crimson Tide’s coaching vacancy following Nick Saban’s retirement on Wednesday.

An announcement regarding the school’s final decision could come as soon as Friday, per Smith III and Feldman.

Rees took over Alabama’s offensive coordinator role following three seasons in the same position with Notre Dame. He replaced Bill O’Brien on Saban’s staff after the former Houston Texans head coach left to join the New England Patriots. Rees also served as the Fighting Irish’s quarterbacks coach from 2017 through 2022.

Although Alabama ranked as the No. 6 scoring offense in the SEC at 34.0 points per game, quarterback Jalen Milroe as well as the rest of the Crimson Tide’s offense began to operate smoothly after the bye week. Over the team’s final five contests prior to the College Football Playoff, Alabama averaged 42.2 points each week.

Saban was impressed with Rees’ inaugural season with the Crimson Tide and complimented his offensive coordinator after he was named a semifinalist for The Broyles Award, which is given to the top assistant coach in the country.

“Well, obviously, we nominated him, so we think he’s done a pretty good job,” Saban said on Nov. 20, per Nick Alvarez of AL.com. “I think he’s done a great job of transforming our offense and players and how they’ve improved. I think that’s made a huge difference in the confidence of our team offensively, as well as our team in general. He’s done an outstanding job.”

If Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne is looking to go with a familiar face to replace Saban, Rees could be his choice.