Alabama Football: Latest on players returning and coaching changes

Alabama Football: The 2021 Crimson Tide is getting boosts from player returns. ‘Out-In’ door of coaching changes keeps spinning with new names.

If possible there is more frenzy in the Alabama football offices than a game-week against a top opponent. Nick Saban has a few more days to advise and shape player exits and returns. So far, the returning players list is encouraging.

Assistant coach changes are discouraging to Alabama football fans. To some extent, Nick Saban probably agrees with the fans. The exit of Jeff Banks was sudden and Alabama football insiders report was unexpected.

The revolving door of Alabama football assistants going and coming keeps spinning. So far, the beneficiary of departures has been the Texas Longhorns. After failing to lure Nick Saban to Austin multiple times, Horns’ booster are willing to pay premium dollars for Saban assistants. Those following the highway from Tuscaloosa to Austin are Steve Sarkisian, Kyle Flood, A.J. Milwee and Jeff Banks.

Though not yet official, Saban has countered with Bill O’Brien as Offensive Coordinator and Jeff Stoutland to take over the offensive line.

Based on repeated rumors, still in play are Charles Huff to Marshall, Charles Kelly or Karl Scott or Mike Stoops to Missouri. Holman Wiggins is also reported to have offers. The two latest and hottest rumors are Pete Golding as the top candidate to become the Texas DC and Kevin Sumlin to join the Alabama football staff. Sumlin purportedly would be on-field, taking the Special Teams, Tight Ends role and also stepping into the Texas recruiting territory vacated by Banks.

Less solid rumors are replacing Golding as Alabama football Defensive Coordinator might be either Charlie Strong or Will Muschamp. The rumors will keep flying and Nick Saban will continue to reload as needed. Crimson Tide fans don’t like cracks in assistant coach continuity, but frequent coaching changes have become common in college football.

Returning player news is far more positive. This time last year, the decisions made by DeVonta Smith, Najee Harris and Alex Leatherwood, to return for senior seasons, laid the foundation for National Championship, No. 18. Something similar is happening with the 2021 roster. Chris Allen, Josh Jobe, Brian Robinson, Phidarian Mathis and Daniel Wright have all announced returns.

https://twitter.com/PhidarianMathis/status/1349774438884106240

Putting off NFL dreams by Allen, Jobe, Robinson and Mathis is huge for the Alabama Crimson Tide. In addition, running back Keilan Robinson, who opted-out of the 2020 season has announced a return to Tuscaloosa.

The exits so far are Christian Barmore, Mac Jones, Jaylen Waddle and Patrick Surtain II to the NFL, and Eddie Smith to the Transfer Portal.

UPDATED: Dylan Moses to the NFL and Joseph Bulovas to the Transfer Portal.

More ‘leaving for the NFL’ announcements are expected soon. The deadline to make the decision is Jan. 18.