Alabama Football: ‘Outside the box’ thinking excludes Hugh Freeze as OC
By Ronald Evans
Alabama Football: Crimson Tide fans have OC favorites but some think Nick Saban will make a bold and surprising move for his next OC.
Peruse any sampling of Alabama football message boards and three or four names are most often preferred for the Tide’s new OC. Those names are former LSU wunderkind, Joe Brady, Tom Herman, Kendall Briles and Hugh Freeze. Many Alabama Crimson Tide fans believe Freeze would be a home-run hire.
Another segment of Alabama football fans trusts Nick Saban will make a sound choice. Some in that segment of Tide fans expect the choice will be an ‘outside-the-box’ surprise. As we learned with the Lane Kiffin hire, Saban is willing to make bold moves. Yet, his boldness is also bounded by thorough research and careful assessment.
Based on fan chatter over the last three or so years, Saban respects Hugh Freeze for his football knowledge. If that is accurate, there is more to Freeze than what is easily apparent. There is little reason to doubt Saban will make a good choice. Until then, let’s consider why Saban should not hire Hugh Freeze.
First off, Saban must make the call on character issues. Freeze has at best, a checkered past. Rumors about Freeze precede his tenure at Ole Miss. There have been coaches in Alabama Football history who have not been moral role models. Crimson Tide fans can trust Saban in judging character.
The complaint registered here about Freeze has nothing to do with his character. Instead, it is about what the Crimson Tide needs and what Freeze offers. Finding a complete package as Steve Sarkisian provided may not be possible. Sark was a good OC, a great play-caller and a very good quarterback coach.
In rating those attributes, the greatest need for Alabama Football is a very good quarterback coach. Presuming Mac Jones will not return, the next Tide OC will not have a proven QB. Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe will need to be taught, led, and shaped into championship quarterbacks. The foundation of quarterback development is trust between coach and player. A coach’s track record is important to building trust.