Alabama Football: Best-Ever Nick Saban Assistant Coaches

Alabama Football Assistant: Offensive Line

There are multiple good coaches to choose from at this position. In fact, all of them during Nick Saban’s 12 seasons have been above-average coaches.

Joe Pendry did not have much to work with in 2007 and was still building a front in 2008. By 2009 he had built a stronger offensive line that helped the Crimson Tide to the No. 12 rushing attack in the nation. The 2009 unit was vulnerable to opponent edge rushers, causing the National Champions to be No. 40 in the nation in sacks allowed.

Given the roster when Pendry started, there is no doubt it was much improved after the 2010 season. Another point of note is the respect in which Pendry was held by his successors. According to insiders, he remained influential in advising younger Tide coaches for several years.

However, the 2012 offensive line stands out above all the others. Late in the season, in the SEC Championship and National Championship games, the Tide’s O-line had become maulers. In those two games, the Crimson Tide averaged over 300 yards rushing, at a 6.41 yards-per-carry average.

The nominees: Joe Pendry (2007-2010); Jeff Stoutland (2011-2012); Mario Cristobal (2013-2016); Brent Key (2016-2018). Note: In 2016, Cristobal coached the tackles (and tight ends) while Key coached the guards and centers,

Best-Ever Nick Saban Offensive Line Assistant: Jeff Stoutland

Further evidence for Stoutland is Nick Saban fought Chip Kelly and the Eagles for Stoutland after the 2012 season. The lesser workload of the NFL’s year-round schedule won out.