Alabama coach Nick Saban typically doesn’t fire coordinators. He will, however, open the door and forcefully push them through it. That’s apparently what happened with former defensive coordinator Pete Golding and former offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, opening the door for two new play-callers to step in.
Enter: Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees — both of whom are reportedly headed to Alabama.
The duo were reportedly hired earlier this week and, even though neither of them were top of mind of fans during the process, will keep the Crimson Tide not only relevant in the national scene, but potentially lead them to the national championship in short order.
Rees will run the dang ball
Alabama finished 82nd in the nation in rushing attempts last year. Eighty-second! That seems impossible. Despite the reluctance to run the ball, the Crimson Tide finished fourth in the country in rushing yards per attempt at 5.57. Translation: Alabama’s rushing attack relied on home-run plays rather than pounding the rock for a full four quarters.
Conversely, Notre Dame finished 21st in the country in rushing attempts per game at 40.92. Granted, part of the reason for that was a season-ending injury to quarterback Tyler Buchner in Week 2. But it’s not like Young was 100% after an injury to his throwing shoulder in Week 5.
Rees will get Alabama back to pounding the rock, and will do so with plenty of motion and eye candy to open running lanes. Plus, he’ll do it with much more talent then he had in South Bend. No, this won’t be like the Derrick Henry offense in 2015. Henry is a freak and the game has evolved since then. By hiring Rees, it is clear that Saban is intent on being much more physical and balanced on offense.
Rees will stretch the field a bit more
O’Brien had the benefit of reigning Heisman Trophy winner Young last year, but Notre Dame backup quarterback Drew Pyne actually had a better completion percentage on passes of 15 or more air yards.
Young finished 34th in the nation in that category among players with at least 200 or more passing attempts at just 33.3%. Conversely, Pyne finished 21st in the country at 35.4% in the same category. That’s not a huge difference on paper, but it’s a big difference in context considering Pyne was not only the Fighting Irish’s backup to start the season, but didn’t have the weapons that Young…
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