The 2021 football season is fast approaching. SEC Media Days have passed and oh the whirl wind of storylines they carried with them.

NIL, expanded playoffs, and conference expansion are all interesting topics but its time to turn our eyes to the field… or at least the practice field.

To that end we’ll run a brief series orienting ourselves towards the arrival of camp with updates and refreshes heading into the season.

Consider it a two-wave attack designed to jump start your readiness for the return of Alabama Football.

First up, the revamped Coaching Staff.

An annual rite of passage for Coach Saban and Alabama fans is the inevitable churn amongst the staff. Competing programs looking for a spark of magic from the Saban tree poach and promote while the occasional underperformer is moved out.

This spin cycle was turned up in early 2021 following both a national championship and a Covid lock down year which saw much less transition.

Let’s take a moment to recap the movement and layer in some AFP perspective.

Offensive Coordinator – Bill O’Brien replaces Steve Sarkisian

No question the biggest change across the staff is the departure of Steve Sarkisian who left to become the head coach at Texas. A program making its own headlines these days.

As much as we grew to appreciate Sarkisian, this move will pay lasting dividends for Alabama.

First, this is exactly the kind of move that enables Saban to continue hiring analysts and other reclamation project-type coaches. It was not long ago that Sark was toxic. Marinate a spell with Saban and now he captains a legit blue blood program.

That is just the kind of move that keeps the coaching pipeline viable and vibrant.

Second, many believed, me included, Sark was a front runner to take over had Saban decided to hang up the whistle, even if that meant waiting another season or maybe two.

Thus, his departure may signify Saban’s intent to continue coaching well into his newly extended contract. A legit win for Alabama fans.

Meanwhile, Sark’s replacement, Bill O’Brien (BO’B), is no slouch, boasting a resume dotted with impressive career stops; Patriots OC, head coach Penn State, and head coach / General Manager for the NFL’s Houston Texans.

One doesn’t just stumble into those kinds of roles and overall, BO’B has been successful at each of his stops, and nothing suggests this trend won’t continue.

What to Expect?

Watch for a refreshed and energized BO’B following his heavy load/double duty in Houston. Understanding this remains the Nick Saban offense, expect to see an emphasis on new wrinkles while keeping true to the hits.

Bryce Young will cut his teeth and evolve his confidence on a steady diet of underneath routes involving the tight ends and slot receivers. Let’s agree I would not want to be a linebacker forced into coverage.

Side Bet:

O’Brien knows he was not hired as a one-year rental, and likely he doesn’t leave for anything not on a dream job list he and Saban have already discussed. Who knows, one of those dream roles may require his growing roots in the area.

Offensive Line Coach – Doug Marrone replaces Kyle Flood

It is no surprise that Flood left town with Sark. They came to Alabama as a package deal from the Falcons and they left town as much the same. Stevie Wonder saw it coming.

Interestingly, Alabama got something of a package deal in return. Doug Marrone and Bill O’Brien are longtime friends dating back to their wives being friends in college. So do not be overly surprised if the Bill and Doug shows share a run in Tuscaloosa.

What to Expect?

Marrone built his career from the trenches up, becoming an offensive line coach when his playing days were over.

Earning a reputation as an old-

school teacher, Doug is a two-time NFL head coach which speaks highly to his ability to engage and develop players.

Watch for Alabama lines under Marrone to be tough, physical, and unrelenting. Given options young and experienced on the Tide roster, Doug may be looking forward to camp more than most.

Side Bet:

From what I read, Marrone is something of an introvert (me too). Perhaps not the best trait for a front of franchise role. However, amongst the trenches a man could become anonymous in all the right ways. For as long as Doug Marrone is in Tuscaloosa, the Tide line is a threat for the Joe Moore award.

Special Teams Coordinator / Tight Ends Coach – Drew Svoboda replaces Jeff Banks

The decision by Jeff Banks may be one of the more frustrating ones for Alabama fans. A lateral move underscoring Sark’s intent to build Texas in Alabama’s image using as many former colleagues as possible.

While both fair and true, its not the full story. Besides, side note, I am more pleased Holmon Wiggins elected to stay at Alabama.

Consider Banks is from Texas – we poached him from TAMU just a couple years ago. A raise with a chance to move home should not be undervalued.

Meanwhile his replacement, Svoboda, is a well-respected special teams coach with prior stints with Rice and a short stay with Memphis State.

What to Expect?

Look for a young coach ready to make a name for himself on a big stage both on the field and on the recruiting trail. Not more than a couple years have passed since Drew was an extraordinarily successful high school coach in the Houston area.

Interesting to note, Banks, Jay Graham (on the job for just a couple months), and Svoboda all have ties to Texas. Clearly Saban has a type in seeking to fill this role.

Side bet:

Svoboda stays with Alabama for the long haul, perhaps even until Saban retires. Drew is just three years removed from being a high school coach and he is looking to maximize his investment at Alabama and links to Saban. My guess is he squeezes everything he can out of the opportunity.

Running Back Coach – Robert Gillespie replaces Charles Huff

First off, congratulations to Charles Huff for spinning a running back coaching gig into a head job. It feels like he may have skipped some steps but that is the Saban bump in effect, and further evidence the pipeline is working.

As for Gillespie, many will remember him from his playing days at Florida during the Spurrier era. Though more recently Robert has carved out a successful coaching career and an outstanding reputation as a recruiter.

What to Expect?

Robert is no slouch as a coach having mentored 1000-yard rushers in each of the last two seasons at North Carolina under Mack Brown.

Interestingly, Phil Longo, UNC OC, was a rumored candidate to replace Sark. While Saban went another direction, he did dip into the UNC till, so to speak, in poaching Gillespie. Perhaps he brings a couple clever screens with him.

Side bet:

Brian Robinson has a nice season under Gillespie’s tutelage, but watch out for Jase and Camar.

Cornerbacks Coach – Jay Valai replaces Karl Scott

Jay is a young coach on the move, exploiting every angle to advance his career. When he signed on with Alabama in February it was his 4th job in barely the span of a month. Released from Texas as part of the regime change, Valai quickly joined the Houston Cougars for 2 weeks until the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles called. Valai lasted in Philly only 11 days before accepting the opportunity at Alabama under coach Saban.

What to Expect?

Footage of Jay on the practice field illustrates a relentless coach continuously peppering players with instruction and correction. Every rep and practice session is maximized.

Jay was a team captain at Wisconsin and ran his own training business following his playing career. Further evidence of productive, results oriented, hardworking individual.

Side bet:

Watch for little drop off in Alabama’s corner play even with the departure of All America and first rounder Patrick Surtain. The talent is on the roster and Jay will work relentlessly to set it free.

Like Svoboda, Jay is a young coach trying to establish his career. Given the objective, you could do worse than sticking around Tuscaloosa under Saban.

I imagine Jay stays at Alabama at least 2-3 seasons. This feels like a safe bet as it gives him reps in recruiting, and he can stand the longevity on his resume.

Potential Defensive Coordinator candidate at some point.

Overall, I love the blend and themes that permeate this group.

Experience runs both extremes with long tenured NFL coaches carving out roles that resonate with their personal strengths on one side and newer entrants to the college ranks on the other. The young and reinvigorated energies should elevate the staff.

Recruiting is another theme up and down the list. Whether its pelts on the wall, long standing community connections, apparent acumen, or resumes that speak for themselves, these fellas are poised to wage war on the recruiting front.

This group will be fun to watch.

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