Apparently my article yesterday was beyond wrong, because it is reported that Alabama has three finalists to replace Nick Saban as the leader of the Crimson Tide.
Reports tonight from TheAthletic are saying that Kalen DeBoer, Mike Norvell, and Tommy Rees are expected as the three finalists for the head coaching position. What is going on in Tuscaloosa? You’re telling me that those are the three guys you think are going to come in and pick up where Nick Saban left off? There has to be more to this? Is this a smoke cover for a bigger hire? What is happening.
Kalen DeBoer is coming out of his second season as the Washington Husky’s head coach, which just ended with a National Championship loss last week. DeBoer has a history of winning at all of his head coaching positions, having a lifetime record of 104-12. Yes you read that right. 104-12. Granted, 65 of those wins came at NAIA Souix Falls, but none the less winning is winning. Players love him, the media loves him, but is he really the guy to come in and take over an SEC powerhouse? Of the three finalists, I’d have to say he is the best choice strictly based on his ability to win everywhere, and build programs in short times… imagine giving him the support financially that Alabama has? I don’t think it’s a great hire, but at this point with these finalists, it’s the best option.
Mike Norvell just led the Florida State Seminoles to an undefeated season… before losing his starting QB, and his bowl game, and losing half of the team to transfer portal, NFL draft, or other injuries. But aside from all of that, great season coach. Norvell spent time at Memphis prior to coming to Tallahassee, where he went 38-15, and has gone 31-17 during his time at FSU. Is Norvell truly the guy you want to replace your all-time great? No. He seems like a guy who would be there 3-4 years, have maybe 1-2 above average seasons, and be pushed out after year 4 because he isn’t living up to the Saban Era success.
Finally, the young offensive coordinator who left Notre Dame – his alma mater – to come join Nick Saban’s staff. The 31-year old Tommy Rees spent 5 years on Notre Dame’s coaching staff before leaving to become the OC on Saban’s staff this past year. Rees, again only 31-years old, has minimal coaching experience… I don’t even want to continue to talk about how absolutely horrible of an idea this would be to promote him to replace the legend. The only way that this could make sense is if Nick Saban is taking a position within the athletic department as an “advisor” and is really going to be running the team, and Rees is the body in his place. Saban doesn’t have to go out and recruit, let the young hot shot go and do that… that is seriously the only reason I could see this making any sense. You don’t go from the GOAT to a first time young head coach… it just doesn’t make sense, and you would have to assume that boosters would also question the move as well. Of the three “finalists” he is the only one with ties to Alabama, which should be noted I guess.
As I said above, my predicitons yesterday were beyond wrong, so chances these won’t be close. But updated rankings:
1. Kalen DeBoer
2. Mike Norvell
3. Anyone Else not mentioned in this article, that has even 1 year of head coaching experience.
4. Tommy Rees
Till Next Time,
Trevor
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