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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Ian Casselberry

Tommy Rees Is Candidate for Alabama Job, and College Football Fans Are in Disbelief

Tommy Rees Alabama (Organization) Bama Football Nick Saban Kalen DeBoer Mike Norvell Greg Byrne Washington

Alabama wants to move quickly to find a replacement for Nick Saban after the venerable coach announced his retirement on Wednesday. Just a day later, a list of three front-runners emerged as leading candidates for the position. 

Washington coach Kalen DeBoer, Florida State’s Mike Norvell and Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees are the three candidates that have emerged in athletic director Greg Byrne’s search, according to Sports Illustrated’s Richard Johnson. The list was reported after Dan Lanning announced he will stay at Oregon and thus won’t be considered for the position. 

DeBoer might be the hottest coaching name in college football after leading Washington to the national championship game in just his second season with the program. Norvell’s Florida State team finished 13–1 and was controversially excluded from the College Football Playoff. Both have the success and national profile fans would expect for Alabama’s next coach.

Tommy Rees served joined Nick Saban’s Alabama staff as offensive coordinator prior to the 2023 season. 

Gary Cosby Jr./USA TODAY Network

Then there’s Rees. At 31, he’s extremely young to be considered for a top-tier job such as Alabama. The former Notre Dame quarterback has enjoyed a fast-rising career as an assistant, coaching four seasons as an offensive coordinator. In his lone season on Saban’s staff, the Crimson Tide ranked No. 56 among FBS teams in total offense with 393.1 yards per game. 

Should Rees really be on a list with established head coaches such as DeBoer and Norvell? Is interviewing him a mere courtesy?

College football fans had very strong feelings about Rees being one of the three candidates for Saban’s successor. 

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