Alabama Football will face four new SEC Offensive Coordinators in 2017
By Ronald Evans
Alabama football, LSU, Auburn, Tennessee and Ole Miss have new offensive coordinators for 2017. Let’s take a deep dive into the new coaches and their offensive styles.
Last December Alabama football fans were confident the Tide was marching toward another national championship. Lane Kiffin was expected to move on after the college football playoff games. There was no controversy, no trepidation. Almost no one doubted Nick Saban and his ability to manage the transition.
As we know, the transition did not go smoothly. It can be argued the somewhat rocky exit of Lane Kiffin cost Alabama football a national championship. You could even say that at the end, Lane kiffed Alabama football.
It is harder to find fault with Steve Sarkisian. That his one game, Alabama offensive coordinator career was a national championship loss, does not mean he is to blame. Nonetheless, if the Clemson game was Sarkisian’s audition, his move to Atlanta was not a big loss for Alabama football.
All of us, fans and pundits alike came up with many suggestions for Alabama’s next offensive coordinator. Brian Daboll’s name was on none of those lists until his name leaked out as a possibility.
First looks at Daboll’s resume did not inspire much confidence. Evidence strongly suggested he had failed twice with two shots as a NFL OC. He was a journeyman assistant coach. Competent no doubt, but devoid of sizzle.
Looking for reassurance fans only knew he had coached for Nick years ago and had a multi-year tenure under Bill Belichick.
By the end of spring season, Alabama football fans knew there was more to Brian than “run da ball” and whatever Saban wanted from Daboll seemed fine.
We now expect Alabama football to have a balanced run-pass offense executed through both pro-style and run-pass option formations. Alabama football fans may have a new interest in learning more about Brian Daboll, the man.
FSU coaches will struggle to prepare for the new Tide offense. Alabama football defensive coaches will be in a somewhat similar situation next season. Alabama opponents Ole Miss, Tennessee, LSU and Auburn also have new offensive coordinators. Fortunately for Tide coaches, none of those teams will be faced in the season’s opening weekend.
Let’s take a look at the four new OC’s – Phil Longo at Ole Miss, Larry Scott at Tennessee, Matt Canada at LSU and Chip Lindsey at Auburn. It is never too early to start preparing for next season.