Alabama Football: Possible OC Candidates to Replace Mike Locksley

Alabama football fans have become oh-so familiar with offensive coordinator searches. As Mike Locksley exits the program, we once again find ourselves in that situation.

During Nick Saban’s first seven seasons of Alabama football, the offensive coordinator position stayed rather steady. Major Applewhite made a quick exit after his first season, but Jim McElwain and Doug Nussmeier served a total of six seasons in the position.

Lane Kiffin was brought in to take over in 2014. One national championship, three seasons, and a lot of controversy later, Kiffin was “dismissed” from his position. Steve Sarkisian, another former USC head coach, was then promoted to offensive coordinator. One game later, Sark was also “dismissed”.

Coach Saban decided to take a different approach on his next hiring. Brian Daboll, NFL offensive mind, took control in 2017. After one season, Daboll left Alabama football to return to the NFL. Mike Locksley, co-OC, was then promoted in 2018. Now, after one season, Alabama football is once again losing its offensive coordinator.

There are multiple different directions that the Tide can take with this search. Some possibilities include: promoting from within, picking from the Saban tree, and going after a big name.

Promoting From Within

The most recent Alabama football offensive coordinator hiring came from within the program. Like we stated above, the Tide’s co-OC, Mike Locksley, was promoted in 2018.

This type of hiring seems to be very successful. Locksley, who is the 2018 Broyles Award winner, is now leaving for the head coaching position at the Maryland Terrapins. So, who could be promoted from within?

Dan Enos: The former Arkansas Razorbacks offensive coordinator joined Alabama’s staff in 2018 as the quarterbacks coach. Enos and Coach Saban share Michigan State ties. A young Nick Saban was the defensive coordinator for the Spartans during Enos’ freshman year. Enos has quite an impressive resume, including a head coaching gig. His amazing work with Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts definitely puts his name high on the list of candidates.

Josh Gattis: The current co-OC and wide receivers coach, Josh Gattis, is another possible candidate. Gattis was hired by Alabama in 2018 to serve as an assistant to Locksley. His long affiliation with Vanderbilt and Penn State head coach, James Franklin, showcases this young man’s abilities. So far, his wide receiver coaching has been phenomenal at Alabama.

Picking From the Saban Tree

Everybody loves to pick a coach from Coach Saban’s impressive tree, so why not pick one ourselves? I know it may sound confusing, but there are many Saban disciples that have moved on to greener pastures that may just fit perfectly as Alabama’s offensive coordinator.

Derek Dooley: The former Tennessee head coach and Nick Saban go back a long ways. Saban hired him at LSU in 2000. Dooley followed Coach Saban to the NFL and remained on his staff until 2006. His time with Tennessee may be remembered as a total dumpster fire, but you cannot ignore his offensive abilities. Dooley is the current offensive coordinator for the Missouri Tigers, where, with the help of impressive QB, Drew Lock, the Tigers finished 8-4. Dooley may not be a popular choice, but he may be a surprising fit.

Bobby Williams: Williams worked for Coach Saban at Michigan State, LSU, the Miami Dolphins, and Alabama. As a former running back and defensive back, Williams has a wide variety of coaching styles. His offensive knowledge coincides perfectly with his defensive awareness. In his prime, Williams would have made an excellent offensive coordinator for Alabama’s current situation, but as of today, he is most likely a last resort.

Going After a Big Name

Lane Kiffin’s hiring as offensive coordinator in 2014 came as a shock. Kiffin was a big name coach and was just fired by the USC Trojans. No one expected him to make the move that he did. For the most part, it turned out fairly successful. Winning a national championship with Jake Coker was no walk in the park, and Kiffin managed to do it. So, who are some of those big names that could make a difference?

Hugh Freeze: When silly season is all said and done, someone better have hired Hugh Freeze. The former Ole Miss head coach is definitely the top coaching candidate of 2018. Tennessee, Auburn, Florida State, and apparently even Liberty, are in line to get a piece of the offensive genius. Saban has been known to invite former head coaches, especially if they have a shred of talent, to join his rehab clinic in Tuscaloosa. Maybe Freeze will be the next man up?

Chip Long: The current Notre Dame offensive coordinator was on the Tide’s radar during their last search. In my opinion, Long‘s resume outshines them all. He is an Alabama native that comes straight from the Bobby Petrino coaching tree. He had a rather successful time as the offensive coordinator for the Memphis Tigers, and is currently doing wonders for the Fighting Irish.

There are many possibilities in this coaching search. From promoting within to going after a proven name. Whatever Nick Saban decides to do, I am sure that it will be the right decision. Coach Saban seems to have mastered the offensive coordinator searching task over the last couple of years, and I am sure the candidate that he selects will not disappoint.

The coaching carousel is never-ending. As time-consuming and aggravating as it may seem, it’s always fun to kick back and watch the entire thing unfold. Especially when the Volunteers start stalking McGhee Tyson Airport, hoping that maybe Hugh Freeze is flying over.