The Alabama Crimson Tide have a daunting task ahead of them to replace legendary head coach Nick Saban, but the team is reportedly already focusing on three names to be their next head coach.
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Richard Johnson with SI.com reported on Thursday evening that Alabama is now focusing on three names to replace Saban as their next head coach. Those names are Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell, and current Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
Those three names emerged after speculation that Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning could be the favorite to replace Saban at Alabama. Dan Lanning shot down those rumors quickly, announcing via X that he would be staying in Eugene.
— Dan Lanning (@CoachDanLanning) January 11, 2024
Rees appears to have a real shot at the Alabama job as the team's only realistic in-house candidate. Despite being just 31 years old, the former Notre Dame quarterback has quickly moved up the coaching ranks, working as the offensive coordinator at Notre Dame for three seasons before moving to Tuscaloosa to take over Alabama's offense this past season. Rees is credited for the team's turnaround and the development of Jalen Milroe, but he may not have the long-term experience (particularly as a head coach) to beat out other qualified candidates.
The other two leading candidates don't have ties to Alabama, but have plenty of head coaching experience. DeBoer became one of the well-known coaches in college football this past season after leading the Washington Huskies all the way to the national championship. Despite falling short to Michigan, DeBoer has a 25-3 record over the last two seasons, and has three NAIA national championships under his belt during his time as the head coach at Sioux Falls.
Norvell could be the favorite after a disappointing end to the season at Florida State, with the Seminoles being left out of the College Football Playoff despite an undefeated regular season and ACC title. Norvell has a 69-32 record as a head coach at FSU and Memphis, and the 42-year-old has done a great job handling recruiting along with the transfer portal to build a national title contender in Tallahassee.
Whoever ends up getting the Alabama job will have big shoes to fill.
