Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 1/27

Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All your Crimson Tide news in one place.

Lane Kiffin’s Return Is a Huge Boost for Alabama QB Jake Coker

"Coker is one of those players.The rising senior for the Crimson Tide came to Alabama last summer after graduating from Florida State, and was expected to take over the No. 1 spot on the depth chart. Instead, Blake Sims took control and took Alabama to the SEC title and the inaugural College Football Playoff.Coker, though, was in the mix to win first-team snaps as late as the third game of the 2014 season.Of the quarterbacks vying for the starting job this season—Coker, Alec Morris, Cooper Bateman, David Cornwell and Blake Barnett—Coker is the most familiar with what Kiffin wants to do and what he expects from his quarterbacks.As Matt Hayes of SportingNews.com points out, that’s enormous for Coker."

There’s no telling what another year with Kiffin will do for Coker. He got thrown into the fire pretty quickly with his transfer and getting the offense down posed some difficulties. He looked better each time he saw some action.

Alabama Announces Promotion For Tosh Lupoi (With Quotes)

"Alabama made official what many had reported few days as they announced that Tosh Lupoi would be promoted from an analyst to the outside linebackers coach.“We are happy to have Tosh on board as a full-time assistant coach,” said Coach Saban in a press release from the school. “Tosh has impressed me during his time here over the course of last year and he will be a great addition to our defensive staff. He’s a high-energy guy and we feel like he will be able to contribute some new ideas both as a coach on the field as well as his role as in recruiting.”"

This guy is a beast on the recruiting trail. I’ll have something up today or tomorrow on what he and new secondary coach Mel Tucker will mean for the Tide.

Alabama to hire former Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker

"Former Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker will be Alabama’s new secondary coach according to sources.It’s a reunion for Tucker and Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban. Tucker got his start in coaching as a graduate assistant under Saban at Michigan State from 1997-98 and coached defensive backs for Saban for a season at LSU two years later.The 43-year-old Tucker is beloved by players and a renowned college recruiter, landing NFL first-round pick Ted Ginn Jr. and Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith while coaching at Ohio State. His hiring means that Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, who had also coached the secondary, will slide back to his positional duties of coaching inside linebackers."

Just waiting on this one to be official from the school. Great hire by Saban.

Tide wins over tight end Hentges from Missouri

"Alabama has become a program that can go into a rival’s backyard and contend for – and win – the services of the top athletes.A commitment from tight end Hale Hentges from Jefferson City, Missouri, is another example.Hentges, out of Helias Catholic High, is a firm commitment to the Crimson Tide, even though Missouri is continuing its purusit, and plans to sign his letter of intent on Feb. 4 as the only tight end in Alabama’s top-ranked recruiting class."

It’s always great to hang on them when they commit. Great athlete that doesn’t get that much discussion but a great addition to this class.

Levi Randolph Named a Candidate for the 2015 Senior CLASS Award

"Alabama senior Levi Randolph is one of 30 student-athletes selected as a candidate for the 2014-15 Senior CLASS award in college basketball.To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition.An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities."