As Kenneth Darby's senior season soured, he knew what was wrong.
It started in the head. It concluded with a broken heart.
And he didn't want to talk about it. "I never brought it up during the regular season. I didn't want there to be excuses," the University of Alabama running back said after a Senior Bowl practice this week.
"But my mind wasn't about football. I was too concerned about my dad's health and with my mom's well being. My coaches and teammates knew what I was going through, but I couldn't tell anyone else."
A preseason All-American candidate at Alabama, Darby, a Huntsville product, was zeroing in on Shaun Alexander's career rushing record as he prepared for the 2006 season.
But before the pursuit could begin in earnest, life as Darby knew it began falling apart.
Darby's father, Winston Woods, took ill before the start of two-a-days. The son was summoned to Huntsville to spend time with his father.
When two-a-days began and Woods' condition worsened, Darby left the team, with permission. He saw his father pull through, at least temporarily.
But within a day of returning to practice, Darby injured a knee. The injury wasn't serious enough for surgery, requiring just a few days of rest.
But it threw him off kilter.
Just as the illness threw his life out of balance."I wasn't myself. I went into the season weighing 220 (pounds)," said Darby, who had played at 205 as a junior. "It was the most I've ever weighed. I wasn't in shape. And I wasn't ready."
After two straight 1,000-yard seasons, Darby never got on track as a senior. His per carry average (3.9) was the lowest of his career by nearly a yard. With a chance to pass Alexander, he whiffed instead, finishing with 835 yards and nary a touchdown.
Darby believes Tide coaches might have been too loyal to him because of past performance, keeping him in the lineup even as he struggled this year.
"I never told Sparky (Woods, the Tide's former running backs coach) that I wanted to take off. I didn't want to be away from my teammates.
"I didn't want to let them down. I was too competitive."
Complicating matters was the decline of his father. Woods passed away two days after the Iron Bowl.
Tragedy wasn't new to Darby, it had merely been absent since his senior year of high school, when his 3-month-old nephew, Dakota, died in a child care-center fall. But his father's death, after four mostly idyllic years on campus for the player, rattled Darby's world.
"Before my father departed, he told me something that will stay with me the rest of my life: `Do my part, and he'll do his part.' I feel now that my Dad is my guardian angel looking over me.
"It's hard. He wanted me to graduate, and I did in December. But he wasn't around, and that was very emotional. He wanted to see me in the Senior Bowl, but he's not here with me."
This week's Senior Bowl isn't Darby's last chance to impress NFL scouts.
Darby's headed to the invitation-only NFL Combine after the Mobile all-star game.
But he knows that scouts and general managers are questioning his disappearing act, wondering if the real Darby peaked as a collegiate junior or is set to return this week.
"I didn't have the breakout season everyone expected but I'm still the same player," Darby said. "Hopefully, that comes out this week and people see the Kenneth Darby of old.
"I'm more comfortable than I've been. I'm more explosive. My weight is down to 210 - that's exactly where I wanted to be. I feel like I haven't felt in a long time."
As Reported By The Birmingham News
DSegrest
Friday, January 26, 2007
Tide picks up three-star quarterback prospect from Texas
Alabama added a second quarterback to its 2007 recruiting class and perhaps put some teeth in coach Nick Saban's "you shop, we shop" philosophy.
Nick Fanuzzi of San Antonio, rated by Rivals.com as a three-star prospect, became Saban's second commitment Monday.
Alabama also picked up a commitment from defensive back Kareem Jackson of Macon, Ga.
The timing of Fanuzzi's commitment was curious. It came a day after Robert Marve, a quarterback already committed to Alabama, returned from an official visit to Miami.
Ironically, Fanuzzi had been committed to Miami when he made an official visit to Alabama over the weekend. Fanuzzi was recruited by Tide assistant Major Applewhite, a former Texas quarterback.
"In the end, I just felt like Alabama was the best place for me," Fanuzzi told BamaOnline.com.
Marve committed to Alabama last summer and had developed a close relationship with former Tide coach Mike Shula, who was fired in November.
Marve, who set a handful of Florida passing records as a senior at Tampa's Plant High, said he is still committed to Alabama. But his affinity for the Hurricanes appears to be growing.
"Miami is right there with Alabama," Marve told the Tampa Tribune in a Monday story. "I have to sit down with my family some more. We need to do more research, make sure everything is right and give (Miami) the same shot as we did Alabama."
Should Marve choose to sign with Alabama on national signing day Feb. 7, the scholarship will presumably still be available. Saban has said he will honor commitments made to Shula.
If both Marve and Fanuzzi sign, Alabama will have five scholarship quarterbacks on campus in August. Starter John Parker Wilson will be a junior, followed by sophomore Jimmy Barnes and redshirt freshman Greg McElroy.
Fanuzzi's father played quarterback at Kentucky and his brother played at Texas Tech.
Fanuzzi was selected to play in the U.S. Army all-star game on Jan. 6.
Jackson will start classes today at UA, according to BamaMag.com.
Jackson played for Fort Union, Va., Military Academy last fall and had five interceptions. He was a running back in high school in Macon, Ga.
Jackson, rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com, was committed to Vanderbilt.
As Reported By: The Huntsville Times
By PAUL GATTIS
Times Sports Staff
Nick Fanuzzi of San Antonio, rated by Rivals.com as a three-star prospect, became Saban's second commitment Monday.
Alabama also picked up a commitment from defensive back Kareem Jackson of Macon, Ga.
The timing of Fanuzzi's commitment was curious. It came a day after Robert Marve, a quarterback already committed to Alabama, returned from an official visit to Miami.
Ironically, Fanuzzi had been committed to Miami when he made an official visit to Alabama over the weekend. Fanuzzi was recruited by Tide assistant Major Applewhite, a former Texas quarterback.
"In the end, I just felt like Alabama was the best place for me," Fanuzzi told BamaOnline.com.
Marve committed to Alabama last summer and had developed a close relationship with former Tide coach Mike Shula, who was fired in November.
Marve, who set a handful of Florida passing records as a senior at Tampa's Plant High, said he is still committed to Alabama. But his affinity for the Hurricanes appears to be growing.
"Miami is right there with Alabama," Marve told the Tampa Tribune in a Monday story. "I have to sit down with my family some more. We need to do more research, make sure everything is right and give (Miami) the same shot as we did Alabama."
Should Marve choose to sign with Alabama on national signing day Feb. 7, the scholarship will presumably still be available. Saban has said he will honor commitments made to Shula.
If both Marve and Fanuzzi sign, Alabama will have five scholarship quarterbacks on campus in August. Starter John Parker Wilson will be a junior, followed by sophomore Jimmy Barnes and redshirt freshman Greg McElroy.
Fanuzzi's father played quarterback at Kentucky and his brother played at Texas Tech.
Fanuzzi was selected to play in the U.S. Army all-star game on Jan. 6.
Jackson will start classes today at UA, according to BamaMag.com.
Jackson played for Fort Union, Va., Military Academy last fall and had five interceptions. He was a running back in high school in Macon, Ga.
Jackson, rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com, was committed to Vanderbilt.
As Reported By: The Huntsville Times
By PAUL GATTIS
Times Sports Staff
UA to Jags: Thanks a million ... maybe
Shula reportedly going to coach in Jacksonville, saving school money
The $4 million golden parachute Alabama gave former coach Mike Shula has been slashed.
But even after Shula was hired Thursday as quarterbacks coach by the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, the school that fired him as its head football coach exactly two months ago today still owes him a hefty amount of his severance package.
It's possible, though, that Shula's new job could save Alabama close to or possibly more than $1 million.
The Jaguars did not make an official announcement on Shula on Thursday. But the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville posted on its Web site Thursday that Shula had been hired, citing a team spokesman,
According to clause 5.01(i) in Shula's contract, his buyout would be reduced by the gross amount of his new salary.
Shula's salary with the Jaguars was not available Thursday. But quarterback coaches in the NFL usually have a range of $150,000 to $200,000.
The buyout in the Alabama contract calls for Shula to be paid monthly, which would be about $66,667 per month on a $4 million package spread over the remaining five years of the contract.
If Shula receives a $200,000 salary from the Jaguars, he would make about $16,667 per month. And that would reduce Alabama's monthly payments to about $50,000 - trimming about $1 million from the balance of the buyout.
Shula, of course, received a new six-year contract last May that called for him to make about $1.8 million per year. The contract also had a $3 million buyout, plus $200,000 for each year remaining on the contract - which added $1 million when Shula was fired Nov. 26 after the Tide had a 6-6 regular season.
According to the contract, Shula has 14 days from taking a new job to inform Alabama of his new employment and provide "complete details" of his new compensation package.
Shula's job with the Jaguars came after he interviewed for at least two other jobs.
He interviewed twice with the Miami Dolphins about replacing Nick Saban as head coach and also with Jaguars about becoming offensive coordinator.
The Dolphins hired Cam Cameron and the Jaguars chose fired Arizona State coach Dirk Koetter, respectively, for those positions.
Pursuing employment was also a stipulation of Shula's buyout.
This will be Shula's fourth NFL team. He's also had stints with the Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears. Shula was the Dolphins quarterbacks coach when he was hired at Alabama in May 2003.
Three of his assistant coaches at Alabama have taken new jobs: Buddy Wyatt is the defensive line coach at Nebraska, Charlie Harbison is the defensive backs coach at Mississippi State and Chris Ball is the defensive backs coach at Pittsburgh.
As Reported by: The Huntsville Times
By PAUL GATTIS
Times Sports Staff
The $4 million golden parachute Alabama gave former coach Mike Shula has been slashed.
But even after Shula was hired Thursday as quarterbacks coach by the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, the school that fired him as its head football coach exactly two months ago today still owes him a hefty amount of his severance package.
It's possible, though, that Shula's new job could save Alabama close to or possibly more than $1 million.
The Jaguars did not make an official announcement on Shula on Thursday. But the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville posted on its Web site Thursday that Shula had been hired, citing a team spokesman,
According to clause 5.01(i) in Shula's contract, his buyout would be reduced by the gross amount of his new salary.
Shula's salary with the Jaguars was not available Thursday. But quarterback coaches in the NFL usually have a range of $150,000 to $200,000.
The buyout in the Alabama contract calls for Shula to be paid monthly, which would be about $66,667 per month on a $4 million package spread over the remaining five years of the contract.
If Shula receives a $200,000 salary from the Jaguars, he would make about $16,667 per month. And that would reduce Alabama's monthly payments to about $50,000 - trimming about $1 million from the balance of the buyout.
Shula, of course, received a new six-year contract last May that called for him to make about $1.8 million per year. The contract also had a $3 million buyout, plus $200,000 for each year remaining on the contract - which added $1 million when Shula was fired Nov. 26 after the Tide had a 6-6 regular season.
According to the contract, Shula has 14 days from taking a new job to inform Alabama of his new employment and provide "complete details" of his new compensation package.
Shula's job with the Jaguars came after he interviewed for at least two other jobs.
He interviewed twice with the Miami Dolphins about replacing Nick Saban as head coach and also with Jaguars about becoming offensive coordinator.
The Dolphins hired Cam Cameron and the Jaguars chose fired Arizona State coach Dirk Koetter, respectively, for those positions.
Pursuing employment was also a stipulation of Shula's buyout.
This will be Shula's fourth NFL team. He's also had stints with the Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears. Shula was the Dolphins quarterbacks coach when he was hired at Alabama in May 2003.
Three of his assistant coaches at Alabama have taken new jobs: Buddy Wyatt is the defensive line coach at Nebraska, Charlie Harbison is the defensive backs coach at Mississippi State and Chris Ball is the defensive backs coach at Pittsburgh.
As Reported by: The Huntsville Times
By PAUL GATTIS
Times Sports Staff
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Tide takes best shot at landing DL Corley
Alabama's last best chance to sway Mobile's Sidell Corley away from Florida will come this weekend when Corley and UMS-Wright receiver Brandon Gibson headline a batch of prospects visiting the Crimson Tide.
Corley, the 6-4, 250-pound defensive end out of McGill-Toolen who ranks No. 2 on the Press-Register's Elite 18 list, is using the visit to work on relationships with the new Nick Saban coaching staff.
"This is a staff and scheme visit," said Sidell Corley Sr., the player's father. "We've been up there about five times already, so we know Alabama has great facilities.
"He wants to get to know the coaching staff there. He probably knows as much about Saban as he does Bear Bryant, which isn't much."
Saban visited the Corleys in person on Tuesday, kicking off a wild week for the family. Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer and Florida's Urban Meyer were in on Wednesday, and Oklahoma's Bob Stoops flew in from Norman, Okla., on Thursday, knowing his return flight into eastern Oklahoma -- hammered by snowstorms -- would be risky.
Corley, No. 16 on the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120, committed to Florida last spring, but he's still contemplating offers from Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and Tennessee in addition to the Gators.
Three more southern Alabama players are scheduled to be at the Capstone as well: Gibson, B.C. Rain defensive back Elliott McGaskin and W.S. Neal offensive lineman Jared Cooper.
Gibson, No. 5 on the Elite 18 and No. 43 on the SSE 120, is still considering Alabama, Auburn and South Carolina, while McGaskin is a Tide grayshirt verbal and Cooper is an Auburn grayshirt verbal.
Gibson (6-2, 195) is thought to be leaning toward Alabama, having told TiderInsider earlier this month, "I fell in love with the town and players at Alabama. I just feel comfortable in Tuscaloosa."
McGaskin accepted the previous staff's grayshirt offer, but his situation could change.
As reported by: The Mobile Press-Register
By THOMAS MURPHY
Sports Reporter
Corley, the 6-4, 250-pound defensive end out of McGill-Toolen who ranks No. 2 on the Press-Register's Elite 18 list, is using the visit to work on relationships with the new Nick Saban coaching staff.
"This is a staff and scheme visit," said Sidell Corley Sr., the player's father. "We've been up there about five times already, so we know Alabama has great facilities.
"He wants to get to know the coaching staff there. He probably knows as much about Saban as he does Bear Bryant, which isn't much."
Saban visited the Corleys in person on Tuesday, kicking off a wild week for the family. Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer and Florida's Urban Meyer were in on Wednesday, and Oklahoma's Bob Stoops flew in from Norman, Okla., on Thursday, knowing his return flight into eastern Oklahoma -- hammered by snowstorms -- would be risky.
Corley, No. 16 on the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120, committed to Florida last spring, but he's still contemplating offers from Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and Tennessee in addition to the Gators.
Three more southern Alabama players are scheduled to be at the Capstone as well: Gibson, B.C. Rain defensive back Elliott McGaskin and W.S. Neal offensive lineman Jared Cooper.
Gibson, No. 5 on the Elite 18 and No. 43 on the SSE 120, is still considering Alabama, Auburn and South Carolina, while McGaskin is a Tide grayshirt verbal and Cooper is an Auburn grayshirt verbal.
Gibson (6-2, 195) is thought to be leaning toward Alabama, having told TiderInsider earlier this month, "I fell in love with the town and players at Alabama. I just feel comfortable in Tuscaloosa."
McGaskin accepted the previous staff's grayshirt offer, but his situation could change.
As reported by: The Mobile Press-Register
By THOMAS MURPHY
Sports Reporter
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Save The Strip : IMPORTANT!!!!!
This is very important for ALL BAMA FANS!!! Please check this out.
They want to do away with our strip!!! A place where students, fans, and alumni have always gone to gather throughout the years. And all of this to build a parking deck???!!!! These businesses have been there for years. The Alabama Book Store is a 3 generation family business and has been there since 1942~!!!! It will be one of the first ones to go! There is a clickable link below that will tell you exactly what you can do to help! Thanks so much for looking into this!
ROLL TIDE ROLL !!!!!
ROLL TIDE ROLL !!!!!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Saban's staff appears set
Nick Saban has apparently completed the hiring of on-the-field coaches for his first staff at Alabama after reaching an agreement to bring running backs coach Burton Burns to the Capstone.
Burns is resigning his position at Clemson, The (Columbia, S.C.) State reported on its Web site late Monday, to join Saban's original staff with the Crimson Tide.
A native of New Orleans, Burns has spent the last eight seasons coaching running backs for Tommy Bowden at Clemson after a five-year stint at Tulane that included the 12-0 season of 1998.
A former fullback who played on three nine-win teams at Nebraska, Burns has been part of six of the top 10 offenses in Clemson history. Burns has tutored star runners such as James Davis, the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2005, Reggie Merriweather, Travis Zachery and Duane Coleman at Clemson and former New York Jet Jerald Sowell at Tulane.
Based on information coming back from prospects on the Alabama campus over the weekend, Saban's first staff looks to be set.
The projected lineup: Joe Pendry, offensive coordinator; Major Applewhite, quarterbacks; Burns, running backs; Ron Middleton, receivers; Steve Marshall, offensive line; Kevin Steele, defensive coordinator and linebackers; Bo Davis, defensive line; Kirby Smart defensive backs; Lance Thompson, defensive line.
Saban has not announced any specific titles for the coaches, nor has he revealed an assistant head coach or special teams coordinator.
Saban has said that Todd Alles, hired away from Ohio State, would fill an off-the-field position, director of football operations.
Rocky Colburn appears to be under an evaluation period as the Tide's strength-and-conditioning coach after serving one season under Mike Shula.
Asked specifically about Colburn last week, Saban said, "You know, I'm not really caring what anybody did in the past. I want to know what they're going to do now.
"I like Rocky, but we all have -- the players coaches, everybody -- have to be accountable to do things the way we want them done around here."
Asked generally about football-related employees on staff, Saban said, "We can't evaluate everything that's here, right now, immediately. I think there's a lot of good people here.
"Some of those people are going to get an opportunity to show what they can do and how they do things. ... We will evaluate people in an ongoing basis as to how they can contribute to this program.
"There's a lot of people that love Alabama here, and as long as they have the same goals and aspirations we do in how we do things and what we want to accomplish, I'm fine with that."
Saban's first recruiting weekend at Alabama looked like a solid one. The Tide landed a Sunday night commitment from highly regarded defensive tackle Kerry Murphy of Hoover, and appeared to firm up their positions with soft commits like quarterback Robert Marve and Kourtnei Brown.
As reported by: The Press-Register
By THOMAS MURPHY
Sports Reporter
Burns is resigning his position at Clemson, The (Columbia, S.C.) State reported on its Web site late Monday, to join Saban's original staff with the Crimson Tide.
A native of New Orleans, Burns has spent the last eight seasons coaching running backs for Tommy Bowden at Clemson after a five-year stint at Tulane that included the 12-0 season of 1998.
A former fullback who played on three nine-win teams at Nebraska, Burns has been part of six of the top 10 offenses in Clemson history. Burns has tutored star runners such as James Davis, the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2005, Reggie Merriweather, Travis Zachery and Duane Coleman at Clemson and former New York Jet Jerald Sowell at Tulane.
Based on information coming back from prospects on the Alabama campus over the weekend, Saban's first staff looks to be set.
The projected lineup: Joe Pendry, offensive coordinator; Major Applewhite, quarterbacks; Burns, running backs; Ron Middleton, receivers; Steve Marshall, offensive line; Kevin Steele, defensive coordinator and linebackers; Bo Davis, defensive line; Kirby Smart defensive backs; Lance Thompson, defensive line.
Saban has not announced any specific titles for the coaches, nor has he revealed an assistant head coach or special teams coordinator.
Saban has said that Todd Alles, hired away from Ohio State, would fill an off-the-field position, director of football operations.
Rocky Colburn appears to be under an evaluation period as the Tide's strength-and-conditioning coach after serving one season under Mike Shula.
Asked specifically about Colburn last week, Saban said, "You know, I'm not really caring what anybody did in the past. I want to know what they're going to do now.
"I like Rocky, but we all have -- the players coaches, everybody -- have to be accountable to do things the way we want them done around here."
Asked generally about football-related employees on staff, Saban said, "We can't evaluate everything that's here, right now, immediately. I think there's a lot of good people here.
"Some of those people are going to get an opportunity to show what they can do and how they do things. ... We will evaluate people in an ongoing basis as to how they can contribute to this program.
"There's a lot of people that love Alabama here, and as long as they have the same goals and aspirations we do in how we do things and what we want to accomplish, I'm fine with that."
Saban's first recruiting weekend at Alabama looked like a solid one. The Tide landed a Sunday night commitment from highly regarded defensive tackle Kerry Murphy of Hoover, and appeared to firm up their positions with soft commits like quarterback Robert Marve and Kourtnei Brown.
As reported by: The Press-Register
By THOMAS MURPHY
Sports Reporter
We've got a "MAJOR" Addition with the Tide ---------
Former University of Texas quarterback Major Applewhite, Rice's offensive coordinator this past season, is joining Nick Saban's coaching staff at Alabama.
Saban announced the hiring Saturday. While his duties have not yet been determined, he is expected to coach quarterbacks and could share play calling duties with recently hired Joe Pendry, whose resume includes a stint as coordinator for the NFL's Houston Texans.
The 28-year-old Applewhite helped lead the Owls (7-6) to several school offensive records last season, a six-game winning streak and the program's first bowl berth since 1961.
The 2006 Rice offense produced 109 more points than the 2005 unit.
He also served as quarterbacks coach at Syracuse after two seasons as a graduate assistant at Texas, where he was praised for playing a role in the development of All-American quarterback Vince Young.
Applewhite has been on Saban's radar for at least a week, but it was unknown what his position would be in Tuscaloosa. He grew up an Alabama fan in Baton Rouge and was named after former Crimson Tide running back Major Ogilvie.
As a high school senior he was recruited briefly by Alabama but was not offered a scholarship. He went to Texas instead, where he started for most of his four seasons.
Jimbo Fisher, Saban's former play caller at LSU, was offered the position but accepted a post at Florida State instead. The News reported that Miami Dolphins quarterback coach Jason Garrett, a Princeton graduate, turned Alabama down Friday. Saban also was interested in Jeff Brohm, the quarterbacks coach at Louisville under former Cardinals head man Bobby Petrino.
Brohm confirmed Saturday that he would remain at Louisville.
New Cardinals coach Steve Kragthorpe promoted Brohm to assistant head coach in charge of the passing game.
Brohm's younger brother, Brian, is the incumbent quarterback at Louisville.
Jeff Brohm also played quarterback at Louisville, thus the bonds made it hard for him to leave.
"In all reality it basically came down to a simple question I asked myself, and that was, `Do I want to help the University of Alabama win a national championship or do I want to help the University of Louisville win a national championship?'" Brohm told the Louisville Courier-Journal.
"I felt the answer was easy, and I chose Louisville."
Saban's staff so far includes Kevin Steele, Lance Thompson and Kirby Smart on defense and Pendry, Steve Marshall, Todd Alles and Ron Middleton on offense.
Defensive coaches are expected to include Steele, Thompson and Smart, while Marshall, Middleton, Pendry and Applewhite are expected to be assigned offensive duties.
Saban has hired two other staffers, Todd Alles and Bo Davis. They are expected to work off the field. News staff writer Doug Segrest contributed to this story.
As reported by: The Birmingham News
IAN R. RAPOPORT News staff writer
Saban announced the hiring Saturday. While his duties have not yet been determined, he is expected to coach quarterbacks and could share play calling duties with recently hired Joe Pendry, whose resume includes a stint as coordinator for the NFL's Houston Texans.
The 28-year-old Applewhite helped lead the Owls (7-6) to several school offensive records last season, a six-game winning streak and the program's first bowl berth since 1961.
The 2006 Rice offense produced 109 more points than the 2005 unit.
He also served as quarterbacks coach at Syracuse after two seasons as a graduate assistant at Texas, where he was praised for playing a role in the development of All-American quarterback Vince Young.
Applewhite has been on Saban's radar for at least a week, but it was unknown what his position would be in Tuscaloosa. He grew up an Alabama fan in Baton Rouge and was named after former Crimson Tide running back Major Ogilvie.
As a high school senior he was recruited briefly by Alabama but was not offered a scholarship. He went to Texas instead, where he started for most of his four seasons.
Jimbo Fisher, Saban's former play caller at LSU, was offered the position but accepted a post at Florida State instead. The News reported that Miami Dolphins quarterback coach Jason Garrett, a Princeton graduate, turned Alabama down Friday. Saban also was interested in Jeff Brohm, the quarterbacks coach at Louisville under former Cardinals head man Bobby Petrino.
Brohm confirmed Saturday that he would remain at Louisville.
New Cardinals coach Steve Kragthorpe promoted Brohm to assistant head coach in charge of the passing game.
Brohm's younger brother, Brian, is the incumbent quarterback at Louisville.
Jeff Brohm also played quarterback at Louisville, thus the bonds made it hard for him to leave.
"In all reality it basically came down to a simple question I asked myself, and that was, `Do I want to help the University of Alabama win a national championship or do I want to help the University of Louisville win a national championship?'" Brohm told the Louisville Courier-Journal.
"I felt the answer was easy, and I chose Louisville."
Saban's staff so far includes Kevin Steele, Lance Thompson and Kirby Smart on defense and Pendry, Steve Marshall, Todd Alles and Ron Middleton on offense.
Defensive coaches are expected to include Steele, Thompson and Smart, while Marshall, Middleton, Pendry and Applewhite are expected to be assigned offensive duties.
Saban has hired two other staffers, Todd Alles and Bo Davis. They are expected to work off the field. News staff writer Doug Segrest contributed to this story.
As reported by: The Birmingham News
IAN R. RAPOPORT News staff writer
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Yea Alabama Yea, Alabama! Drown 'em Tide!
Every 'Bama man's behind you, Hit your stride.
Go teach the Bulldogs to behave, Send the Yellow Jackets to a watery grave.
And if a man starts to weaken, That's a shame! For Bama's pluck and grit have Writ her name in Crimson flame.
Fight on, fight on, fight on men! Remember the Rose Bowl, we'll win then.
So roll on to victory, Hit your stride, You're Dixie's football pride, Crimson Tide, Roll Tide, Roll Tide!!
Every 'Bama man's behind you, Hit your stride.
Go teach the Bulldogs to behave, Send the Yellow Jackets to a watery grave.
And if a man starts to weaken, That's a shame! For Bama's pluck and grit have Writ her name in Crimson flame.
Fight on, fight on, fight on men! Remember the Rose Bowl, we'll win then.
So roll on to victory, Hit your stride, You're Dixie's football pride, Crimson Tide, Roll Tide, Roll Tide!!
Poll: Saban popular, but his salary isn't
Nick Saban is a popular choice as the new University of Alabama football coach, and there is a strong belief the Crimson Tide will be competing for a national championship in the near future, the results of a new statewide survey suggest.
"The general view, and probably the most important finding, is there seems to be a huge approval of the hiring of Nick Saban," said Keith Nicholls, who conducted the Press-Register/University of South Alabama telephone poll last week.
"More than 80 percent approve of Saban as the Alabama coach," Nicholls said, referring to people who identified themselves as Alabama fans. "There are a lot of politicians who would love to have those numbers." The poll surveyed 700 Alabama adults, and the results carry a margin of error of 3.7 percentage points. The results of the sub-sample of 363 people who identified themselves as Alabama fans carry a margin of error of 5.1 percentage points.
Although the Saban hiring received high marks from those surveyed, his approximate $4 million-a-year salary did not.
Seventy-percent of the general sample think the amount is too high, while 60 percent of Alabama fans responded the same way. Most of Saban's salary comes from outside sources rather than the university's state government appropriation.
Saban, 55, posted a record of 15-17 in two season with the NFL's Miami Dolphins, but his reputation as one of the most successful coaches is college football remains strong. In five years at LSU, he guided the Tigers to four top-25 finishes, two Southeastern Conference titles and the 2003 national championship.
Alabama residents believe he will duplicate that early success in Tuscaloosa.
When asked how likely it is that Alabama will win a national championship under Saban in the next five years, 88 percent of Alabama fans responded either very likely or somewhat likely. The percentage in the general survey was only slightly lower, with 79 percent saying a national championship in the next five years is at least somewhat likely.
Saban has done nothing to try to lower those expectations. At his Jan. 4 introductory press conference he said, "I know there are tremendous expectations here for what you would like to accomplish with this football program. I can tell you that however you feel about it, I have even higher expectations for what we want to accomplish. I want to win every game we play."
As reported by: Press-Register
By RANDY KENNEDY Sports Editor
"The general view, and probably the most important finding, is there seems to be a huge approval of the hiring of Nick Saban," said Keith Nicholls, who conducted the Press-Register/University of South Alabama telephone poll last week.
"More than 80 percent approve of Saban as the Alabama coach," Nicholls said, referring to people who identified themselves as Alabama fans. "There are a lot of politicians who would love to have those numbers." The poll surveyed 700 Alabama adults, and the results carry a margin of error of 3.7 percentage points. The results of the sub-sample of 363 people who identified themselves as Alabama fans carry a margin of error of 5.1 percentage points.
Although the Saban hiring received high marks from those surveyed, his approximate $4 million-a-year salary did not.
Seventy-percent of the general sample think the amount is too high, while 60 percent of Alabama fans responded the same way. Most of Saban's salary comes from outside sources rather than the university's state government appropriation.
Saban, 55, posted a record of 15-17 in two season with the NFL's Miami Dolphins, but his reputation as one of the most successful coaches is college football remains strong. In five years at LSU, he guided the Tigers to four top-25 finishes, two Southeastern Conference titles and the 2003 national championship.
Alabama residents believe he will duplicate that early success in Tuscaloosa.
When asked how likely it is that Alabama will win a national championship under Saban in the next five years, 88 percent of Alabama fans responded either very likely or somewhat likely. The percentage in the general survey was only slightly lower, with 79 percent saying a national championship in the next five years is at least somewhat likely.
Saban has done nothing to try to lower those expectations. At his Jan. 4 introductory press conference he said, "I know there are tremendous expectations here for what you would like to accomplish with this football program. I can tell you that however you feel about it, I have even higher expectations for what we want to accomplish. I want to win every game we play."
As reported by: Press-Register
By RANDY KENNEDY Sports Editor
Hoover High's Murphy leaning toward Alabama
The recruitment of Hoover's Kerry Murphy may be drawing to a close as the defensive tackle named Alabama a favorite as he traveled to Tuscaloosa for an official visit.
Murphy, who topped the 2007 Birmingham News Super Senior list, said he could commit to new Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban by the end of the visit.
He said he was "excited" when he learned Saban would replace Mike Shula and looks forward to meeting other Tide recruits this weekend, especially top-prospect John Brown of Lakeland, Fla.
The 6-5, 315 pound Murphy played through several injuries this season, but Hoover coach Rush Propst told The News he was close to 100 percent before an All-American game in Florida last week.
Murphy is also considering Auburn, Miami, Louisville, Clemson, Kentucky and Ole Miss.
As reported by: The Birmingham News
MICHAEL CASAGRANDE News staff writer
Murphy, who topped the 2007 Birmingham News Super Senior list, said he could commit to new Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban by the end of the visit.
He said he was "excited" when he learned Saban would replace Mike Shula and looks forward to meeting other Tide recruits this weekend, especially top-prospect John Brown of Lakeland, Fla.
The 6-5, 315 pound Murphy played through several injuries this season, but Hoover coach Rush Propst told The News he was close to 100 percent before an All-American game in Florida last week.
Murphy is also considering Auburn, Miami, Louisville, Clemson, Kentucky and Ole Miss.
As reported by: The Birmingham News
MICHAEL CASAGRANDE News staff writer
Major is latest Saban addition
Young Applewhite brought on to help Tide offense.....
The youngest coordinator in college football last season has joined Nick Saban's staff at Alabama.
Major Applewhite, 28, served as the offensive coordinator last season at Rice. His hiring was announced Saturday and is the seventh of nine on-field assistants Saban has hired. As with the previous announcements, specific duties for Applewhite have not been stated publicly, but he is expected to coach the quarterbacks and perhaps serve as the offensive coordinator or share those duties with another assistant.
Applewhite also has deep ties to the Crimson Tide, even though he was a star quarterback at Texas. He grew up an Alabama fan and is named for former Tide running back Major Ogilvie. Applewhite's father, Larry, is active in the Alabama Alumni Association.
Applewhite grew up in Baton Rouge, La.
In his first year as a coordinator in 2006, Applewhite oversaw an offense that scored the most points (350) and gained the third-most yards (4,486) in school history as the Owls played in a bowl game for the first time in 45 years. Rice ran a spread offense but Saban has said he wants a balanced offensive attack.
While playing for Mack Brown at Texas, Applewhite was a team captain as a senior in 2001. He led the Longhorns to a 22-8 record when he was the starting QB and is Texas' all-time leader in yards passing, TD passes and total offense.
As a graduate assistant at Texas in 2003-04, Applewhite worked closely with Vince Young as the UT quarterback. He was hired in 2005 to be the QB coach at Syracuse when Greg Robinson took the Orange coaching job after being the defensive coordinator at Texas.
After one season at Syracuse, Applewhite became a coordinator for the first time at Rice.
As reported by : The Huntsville Times
By PAUL GATTIS Times Sports Staff
The youngest coordinator in college football last season has joined Nick Saban's staff at Alabama.
Major Applewhite, 28, served as the offensive coordinator last season at Rice. His hiring was announced Saturday and is the seventh of nine on-field assistants Saban has hired. As with the previous announcements, specific duties for Applewhite have not been stated publicly, but he is expected to coach the quarterbacks and perhaps serve as the offensive coordinator or share those duties with another assistant.
Applewhite also has deep ties to the Crimson Tide, even though he was a star quarterback at Texas. He grew up an Alabama fan and is named for former Tide running back Major Ogilvie. Applewhite's father, Larry, is active in the Alabama Alumni Association.
Applewhite grew up in Baton Rouge, La.
In his first year as a coordinator in 2006, Applewhite oversaw an offense that scored the most points (350) and gained the third-most yards (4,486) in school history as the Owls played in a bowl game for the first time in 45 years. Rice ran a spread offense but Saban has said he wants a balanced offensive attack.
While playing for Mack Brown at Texas, Applewhite was a team captain as a senior in 2001. He led the Longhorns to a 22-8 record when he was the starting QB and is Texas' all-time leader in yards passing, TD passes and total offense.
As a graduate assistant at Texas in 2003-04, Applewhite worked closely with Vince Young as the UT quarterback. He was hired in 2005 to be the QB coach at Syracuse when Greg Robinson took the Orange coaching job after being the defensive coordinator at Texas.
After one season at Syracuse, Applewhite became a coordinator for the first time at Rice.
As reported by : The Huntsville Times
By PAUL GATTIS Times Sports Staff
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Saban adds trio to coaching staff
Rice assistant reportedly set to coach quarterbacks
New Alabama coach Nick Saban added three coaches to his staff Friday, including a former Auburn player and Tennessee assistant coach.
The coaches are former Auburn tight end Ron Middleton, former Tennessee assistant Steve Marshall and Bo Davis. No specific duties have been announced. Not included among the latest announcements was Major Applewhite, the offensive coordinator at Rice. Applewhite has accepted an offer from Saban to coach quarterbacks, according to a Friday report in the Houston Chronicle.
Davis is not expected to be an on-field coach. He has a background as a strength and conditioning coach and most recently served as the Miami Dolphins assistant strength coach under Saban this season.
With Middleton and Marshall, Saban now has six of the nine spots filled on his on-field coaching staff. It also ensures the Tide will have a full allotment of coaches Monday on the road recruiting. Schools can have only seven coaches recruiting off-campus.
Middleton most recently served as tight ends and assistant special teams coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Middleton also coached from 1999-2003 as an assistant at Ole Miss under former Rebels coach David Cutcliffe.
Middleton, an Atmore native, graduated from Auburn in 1985 and was the Tigers MVP in 1984 and '85. He played with five different teams in the NFL and was a member of the Washington Redskins when they defeated Buffalo to win Super Bowl XXVI.
Marshall, a native of Vernon, Conn., who played at Louisville, began his coaching career in 1982 at Marshall and coached the offensive line at Tennessee from 1993-95. He was the running game coordinator for the Vols in '95.
Marshall has also had coaching stops at Murray State, Louisville, Virginia Tech, UCLA, Texas A&M and the NFL's Houston Texans. Marshall coached the line with the Texans in 2004-05 and was out of coaching for the 2006 season.
Davis, a native of Magee, Miss., was an assistant strength coach at LSU under Saban and is a former All-SEC defensive lineman for the Tigers.
As reported by: The Huntsville Times
By PAUL GATTIS Times Sports Staff
New Alabama coach Nick Saban added three coaches to his staff Friday, including a former Auburn player and Tennessee assistant coach.
The coaches are former Auburn tight end Ron Middleton, former Tennessee assistant Steve Marshall and Bo Davis. No specific duties have been announced. Not included among the latest announcements was Major Applewhite, the offensive coordinator at Rice. Applewhite has accepted an offer from Saban to coach quarterbacks, according to a Friday report in the Houston Chronicle.
Davis is not expected to be an on-field coach. He has a background as a strength and conditioning coach and most recently served as the Miami Dolphins assistant strength coach under Saban this season.
With Middleton and Marshall, Saban now has six of the nine spots filled on his on-field coaching staff. It also ensures the Tide will have a full allotment of coaches Monday on the road recruiting. Schools can have only seven coaches recruiting off-campus.
Middleton most recently served as tight ends and assistant special teams coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Middleton also coached from 1999-2003 as an assistant at Ole Miss under former Rebels coach David Cutcliffe.
Middleton, an Atmore native, graduated from Auburn in 1985 and was the Tigers MVP in 1984 and '85. He played with five different teams in the NFL and was a member of the Washington Redskins when they defeated Buffalo to win Super Bowl XXVI.
Marshall, a native of Vernon, Conn., who played at Louisville, began his coaching career in 1982 at Marshall and coached the offensive line at Tennessee from 1993-95. He was the running game coordinator for the Vols in '95.
Marshall has also had coaching stops at Murray State, Louisville, Virginia Tech, UCLA, Texas A&M and the NFL's Houston Texans. Marshall coached the line with the Texans in 2004-05 and was out of coaching for the 2006 season.
Davis, a native of Magee, Miss., was an assistant strength coach at LSU under Saban and is a former All-SEC defensive lineman for the Tigers.
As reported by: The Huntsville Times
By PAUL GATTIS Times Sports Staff
Saban, staff squeezing year of recruiting into one month
Nick Saban has one month to complete a year's worth of recruiting.
Saban was announced as Alabama's football coach on Jan. 4, which gives him a severely shortened period to shape his recruiting class. This situation - giving other schools in the country an 11-month head start - is less than ideal.
When Saban coached LSU from 2000 to 2004, he built a reputation as a recruiter who sought the early commitment. He got in quickly, got his work done and got high-quality players.
With merely a month on the job before signing day, racking up early commitments is a luxury Saban does not have.
"Back when I started seven years ago to accelerate the process, to make offers during the spring, to have guys come to summer camps and get a lot of early commitments, I get blamed for that sometimes," said Saban, who coached the Miami Dolphins the past two years. "But that was the process I'm used to and have used and obviously that can't be the case right now."
That's why, regardless of what happens during this weekend's big recruiting date or even in the next few weeks, some recruiting experts don't expect Alabama to make its huge recruiting jump just yet.
"The biggest difference you'll see is in the class of 2008," said Scott Kennedy, the director of online programming for the recruiting Web site Scout.com.
Saban isn't necessarily starting from scratch, though. This is where Alabama stands:
Fourteen players have said they will stick with the non-binding oral commitments they made to former coach Mike Shula. One player - Florida receiver Jermaine McKenzie - reneged, pledging to attend Miami instead.
In turn, Saban said he will honor the scholarships Shula offered - with one caveat.
As reported by: The Birmingham News
IAN R. RAPOPORT News staff writer
Saban was announced as Alabama's football coach on Jan. 4, which gives him a severely shortened period to shape his recruiting class. This situation - giving other schools in the country an 11-month head start - is less than ideal.
When Saban coached LSU from 2000 to 2004, he built a reputation as a recruiter who sought the early commitment. He got in quickly, got his work done and got high-quality players.
With merely a month on the job before signing day, racking up early commitments is a luxury Saban does not have.
"Back when I started seven years ago to accelerate the process, to make offers during the spring, to have guys come to summer camps and get a lot of early commitments, I get blamed for that sometimes," said Saban, who coached the Miami Dolphins the past two years. "But that was the process I'm used to and have used and obviously that can't be the case right now."
That's why, regardless of what happens during this weekend's big recruiting date or even in the next few weeks, some recruiting experts don't expect Alabama to make its huge recruiting jump just yet.
"The biggest difference you'll see is in the class of 2008," said Scott Kennedy, the director of online programming for the recruiting Web site Scout.com.
Saban isn't necessarily starting from scratch, though. This is where Alabama stands:
Fourteen players have said they will stick with the non-binding oral commitments they made to former coach Mike Shula. One player - Florida receiver Jermaine McKenzie - reneged, pledging to attend Miami instead.
In turn, Saban said he will honor the scholarships Shula offered - with one caveat.
As reported by: The Birmingham News
IAN R. RAPOPORT News staff writer
UA could owe Shula assistants $561,662
The University of Alabama's price tag for firing coach Mike Shula includes more than just Shula's buyout and new coach Nick Saban's record-setting contract.
The university will owe five more months' worth of pay to any Shula assistant who is not kept by Saban and who does not take another job.
Two of Shula's nine on-field assistants have already taken other jobs, so the university owes them nothing more. If none of the seven others stay with the university, Alabama would owe them a total of $561,662 from January through May as their contracts stipulate they will be paid for six months after Shula was fired on Nov. 26 or until they find another job. That number shrinks if any of them takes a coaching or administrative job with another college or a pro team in that time. The figure comes from assistant coach contracts obtained by The Birmingham News.
In late November and December, the assistants continued working. Saban was hired on Jan. 3 and so far has announced eight new assistants to his staff, though their future roles have not been announced. Saban has not said which remaining Shula assistants - if any - he will keep.
One of those Shula assistants, defensive coordinator Joe Kines, has said he wants to stay in the athletics department in an administrative role if he has no role in Saban's on-field staff. It is possible Kines will receive such a job under his current coaching contract, which pays him $300,000 per year through June 2008.
Saban said Thursday he has spoken with Kines several times, but was not specific about Kines' future.
"I have a tremendous respect for Joe," Saban said of the 62-year-old defensive coordinator. "But something has got to work out for Joe that works for Joe. I want that to be a part of whatever decisions I make in terms of what he does moving forward."
When Shula was fired, Athletics Director Mal Moore vowed he would honor the contracts of Shula and all his assistants.
"We will see this through as stated in their contracts," Moore said then.
As reported by : The Birmingham News
IAN R. RAPOPORT News staff writer
The university will owe five more months' worth of pay to any Shula assistant who is not kept by Saban and who does not take another job.
Two of Shula's nine on-field assistants have already taken other jobs, so the university owes them nothing more. If none of the seven others stay with the university, Alabama would owe them a total of $561,662 from January through May as their contracts stipulate they will be paid for six months after Shula was fired on Nov. 26 or until they find another job. That number shrinks if any of them takes a coaching or administrative job with another college or a pro team in that time. The figure comes from assistant coach contracts obtained by The Birmingham News.
In late November and December, the assistants continued working. Saban was hired on Jan. 3 and so far has announced eight new assistants to his staff, though their future roles have not been announced. Saban has not said which remaining Shula assistants - if any - he will keep.
One of those Shula assistants, defensive coordinator Joe Kines, has said he wants to stay in the athletics department in an administrative role if he has no role in Saban's on-field staff. It is possible Kines will receive such a job under his current coaching contract, which pays him $300,000 per year through June 2008.
Saban said Thursday he has spoken with Kines several times, but was not specific about Kines' future.
"I have a tremendous respect for Joe," Saban said of the 62-year-old defensive coordinator. "But something has got to work out for Joe that works for Joe. I want that to be a part of whatever decisions I make in terms of what he does moving forward."
When Shula was fired, Athletics Director Mal Moore vowed he would honor the contracts of Shula and all his assistants.
"We will see this through as stated in their contracts," Moore said then.
As reported by : The Birmingham News
IAN R. RAPOPORT News staff writer
Friday, January 12, 2007
ESPN: The Interview Excerpts from Saban's upcoming appearance
ESPN SportsCenter will present a special two-night "Sunday Conversation" with Alabama coach Nick Saban. Part 1 will debut on Sunday's 10:30 p.m. program, followed by the second part premiering Monday at 5 p.m. The second part will feature Saban being interviewed by reporter Chris Mortensen as they visit Alabama's Walk of Champions and Bryant-Denny Stadium. Here are excerpts from the interview:
-- CHRIS MORTENSEN: When your agent Jimmy Sexton called to tell you that Alabama wants to talk to you, what did you tell him on that Monday after the season ended?
-- NICK SABAN: I said, 'I don't want to meet with them.' I said, 'I am not interested in doing that.' He said, 'They want to talk to you.' I said, 'I don't really think I want to talk to them,' and he said, 'You really should do this. These people have waited. You are their first choice, and you at least ought to talk to them.' So I had a phone conversation with them. And then, from a media standpoint, this thing really went crazy, and I regret that.
-- CM: The appearance from the outside is that you were being less than truthful. What is the explanation?
-- NS: Well, I wasn't interested in Alabama at the time because I was focused on our season. I was focused on giving our football players the best opportunity to be successful in the games. At the time, what else could I say? That's what I wanted to do, that was my focus and that was the truth at that time.
-- CM: There is no question that you were telling the truth in your mind and in your heart?
-- NS: At that time, because I was focused on our team.
-- CM: How is Nick Saban going to go into the living room of a recruit and look his parents and that kid in the eye and say (when asked about his plans to coach Alabama for a long time), 'Well, I am telling you the truth?'
-- NS: The No. 1 thing for me, Nick Saban, whatever anyone thinks, is to be a good person. Honesty, integrity, loyalty, being fair and honest with people has always been the trademark of what I've done. So regardless of what anybody says, that is who Nick Saban is.
When I landed in the airplane to get here the first day, and there were two to three thousand fans at the airport, it really restored all the memories of the spirit of college football and the passion that people have for it, and it was great to see and it was great to want to be wanted.
-- CM: Isn't that what Nick Saban needed at that moment? Maybe in a way you got a group hug there?
-- NS: I needed a hug (laughing).
-- CM: Do you have one indelible image of Bear Bryant in your own mind about what he was, what type of coach he was?
-- NS: Standing in that tower, and that tower's still there.
-- CM: That houndstooth hat, right?
-- NS: I got one of those -- they give you one of those when you win that (Paul "Bear" Bryant coach of the year) award (laughing). My son Nicholas loves wearing it.
I would like to leave a legacy as an outstanding college football coach, to win a national championship at LSU, and to win another championship at another SEC institution at the University of Alabama would, I think, establish a legacy that is pretty unique.
As reported By : The Press-Register
-- CHRIS MORTENSEN: When your agent Jimmy Sexton called to tell you that Alabama wants to talk to you, what did you tell him on that Monday after the season ended?
-- NICK SABAN: I said, 'I don't want to meet with them.' I said, 'I am not interested in doing that.' He said, 'They want to talk to you.' I said, 'I don't really think I want to talk to them,' and he said, 'You really should do this. These people have waited. You are their first choice, and you at least ought to talk to them.' So I had a phone conversation with them. And then, from a media standpoint, this thing really went crazy, and I regret that.
-- CM: The appearance from the outside is that you were being less than truthful. What is the explanation?
-- NS: Well, I wasn't interested in Alabama at the time because I was focused on our season. I was focused on giving our football players the best opportunity to be successful in the games. At the time, what else could I say? That's what I wanted to do, that was my focus and that was the truth at that time.
-- CM: There is no question that you were telling the truth in your mind and in your heart?
-- NS: At that time, because I was focused on our team.
-- CM: How is Nick Saban going to go into the living room of a recruit and look his parents and that kid in the eye and say (when asked about his plans to coach Alabama for a long time), 'Well, I am telling you the truth?'
-- NS: The No. 1 thing for me, Nick Saban, whatever anyone thinks, is to be a good person. Honesty, integrity, loyalty, being fair and honest with people has always been the trademark of what I've done. So regardless of what anybody says, that is who Nick Saban is.
When I landed in the airplane to get here the first day, and there were two to three thousand fans at the airport, it really restored all the memories of the spirit of college football and the passion that people have for it, and it was great to see and it was great to want to be wanted.
-- CM: Isn't that what Nick Saban needed at that moment? Maybe in a way you got a group hug there?
-- NS: I needed a hug (laughing).
-- CM: Do you have one indelible image of Bear Bryant in your own mind about what he was, what type of coach he was?
-- NS: Standing in that tower, and that tower's still there.
-- CM: That houndstooth hat, right?
-- NS: I got one of those -- they give you one of those when you win that (Paul "Bear" Bryant coach of the year) award (laughing). My son Nicholas loves wearing it.
I would like to leave a legacy as an outstanding college football coach, to win a national championship at LSU, and to win another championship at another SEC institution at the University of Alabama would, I think, establish a legacy that is pretty unique.
As reported By : The Press-Register
Saban's first staff diverse
Alabama head football coach Nick Saban is not taking any chances.
He is taking his time, though.
Saban gets just one chance to put together his first UA coaching staff. To do so properly, Saban said he's channeling the advice of mentor George Perles, the former Michigan State coach.
"George's thing was, `I want everybody that's different,'" Saban said in a news conference Thursday, his first since he was introduced as Alabama's coach on Jan. 4.
"I used to look for people that had the same characteristics, the same qualities that drove me. Now, I want everybody to have a different strength.
"The combination of those strengths is what's going to make our staff the best."
A week into his job and Saban has officially named only four members of his nine-person on-field staff. He doesn't care.
Alabama has a big recruiting weekend beginning today, and Saban isn't rushing for that. He doesn't yet have an offensive coordinator, but there will be no hurrying that one, either.
"In an ideal circumstance, there would be a lot of advantages to getting a staff in place," Saban said. "But (I'd rather get) the right people and not compromise the principles of what we're trying to accomplish rather than do something quickly, thinking it was necessarily for recruiting or whatever."
Saban did say that he believes he will have at least six assistants (plus himself) to give UA the maximum seven coaches that can go on the road to recruit Monday.
As reported By: The Birmingham News
IAN R. RAPOPORT News staff writer
He is taking his time, though.
Saban gets just one chance to put together his first UA coaching staff. To do so properly, Saban said he's channeling the advice of mentor George Perles, the former Michigan State coach.
"George's thing was, `I want everybody that's different,'" Saban said in a news conference Thursday, his first since he was introduced as Alabama's coach on Jan. 4.
"I used to look for people that had the same characteristics, the same qualities that drove me. Now, I want everybody to have a different strength.
"The combination of those strengths is what's going to make our staff the best."
A week into his job and Saban has officially named only four members of his nine-person on-field staff. He doesn't care.
Alabama has a big recruiting weekend beginning today, and Saban isn't rushing for that. He doesn't yet have an offensive coordinator, but there will be no hurrying that one, either.
"In an ideal circumstance, there would be a lot of advantages to getting a staff in place," Saban said. "But (I'd rather get) the right people and not compromise the principles of what we're trying to accomplish rather than do something quickly, thinking it was necessarily for recruiting or whatever."
Saban did say that he believes he will have at least six assistants (plus himself) to give UA the maximum seven coaches that can go on the road to recruit Monday.
As reported By: The Birmingham News
IAN R. RAPOPORT News staff writer
Twas The Night Before Saban....
Twas the night before Saban, and all through the South,Auburn fans were talking and running their mouths, Their campus was in top shape and handled with care,In the hopes that top recruits would soon be there, The Tigers were all snoozing comfortably in their beds, While visions of blue chippers danced in their heads, My wife and I were frustrated since the Tide was in a real fix,And were hoping they could somehow avoid loss number six, When out of South Florida there arose such a clatter, I jumped on the Internet to see what was the matter, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,But a disciplined coach wearing crimson and white gear, With a 91-42 record and national championship to kick, I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick, He didn’t speak a word, he just went straight to work, But later I heard him mumble “Tuberville is a jerk” Further into the evening, as Saban toured Bryant Hall, I thought to myself how Auburn seemed so small, So I put my houndstooth back on and smiled with pride, A great era is upon us, one full of “ROLL TIDE”.
Could I have put it any better myself???!!! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!! Stay tuned.... :)
Could I have put it any better myself???!!! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!! Stay tuned.... :)
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Saban eyes Garrett
As reported By the Birmingham News:
New Alabama football coach Nick Saban has offered Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach Jason Garrett a job as the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator, a source with knowledge of the process said Wednesday.
Garrett, a Princeton graduate, is a 40-year-old former NFL quarterback who has been an NFL assistant for two seasons. He has never been a coordinator.
Also, former Houston Texans coaches Joe Pendry and Steve Marshall have joined the UA staff, a source said.
Garrett, the son of former Princeton and Columbia football coach Jim Garrett, saw action in eight NFL seasons. He played seven seasons for the Cowboys and one for the New York Giants. He has been a full-time assistant for two seasons.
Garrett may be a candidate for the Cleveland Browns' offensive coordinator position, though the Dolphins have yet to grant the Browns permission to interview him. Alabama, as a college team, did not need such permission.
If Garrett accepts the job, he could share coordinator duties with Pendry. A West Virginia native like Saban, Pendry also coached for two of Saban's mentors - George Perles and Frank Cignetti. Stay Tuned for the latest right here with us at Bamagirl's Crimson Tide News! We will bring it to ya as soon as we get it! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!
New Alabama football coach Nick Saban has offered Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach Jason Garrett a job as the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator, a source with knowledge of the process said Wednesday.
Garrett, a Princeton graduate, is a 40-year-old former NFL quarterback who has been an NFL assistant for two seasons. He has never been a coordinator.
Also, former Houston Texans coaches Joe Pendry and Steve Marshall have joined the UA staff, a source said.
Garrett, the son of former Princeton and Columbia football coach Jim Garrett, saw action in eight NFL seasons. He played seven seasons for the Cowboys and one for the New York Giants. He has been a full-time assistant for two seasons.
Garrett may be a candidate for the Cleveland Browns' offensive coordinator position, though the Dolphins have yet to grant the Browns permission to interview him. Alabama, as a college team, did not need such permission.
If Garrett accepts the job, he could share coordinator duties with Pendry. A West Virginia native like Saban, Pendry also coached for two of Saban's mentors - George Perles and Frank Cignetti. Stay Tuned for the latest right here with us at Bamagirl's Crimson Tide News! We will bring it to ya as soon as we get it! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!
Sabans give UA $100,000 check
Even before Nick Saban was introduced, the crowd started cheering. A basketball game was going on, but fans went nuts for their new football coach anyway.
Tuesday was a day of firsts for Saban. He made his first public appearance as the Crimson Tide's 27th football coach, made his first announcement of assistant coaches, and made his first academic-related donation, a $100,000 gift to a UA scholarship program.
"The excitement, the spirit, the enthusiasm you've shown myself and my family - Terry and Kristen - since we've been here, I can't thank you enough for," Saban told a sellout crowd at halftime of the LSU-Alabama basketball game that Alabama won 71-61.
Saban wearing his official Crimson Tide Shirt and Tie has really hit it off here in Bama.... What will unfold next??? Whatever it may be, We will be sure to keep you up to date! Stop back in soon! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!
Tuesday was a day of firsts for Saban. He made his first public appearance as the Crimson Tide's 27th football coach, made his first announcement of assistant coaches, and made his first academic-related donation, a $100,000 gift to a UA scholarship program.
"The excitement, the spirit, the enthusiasm you've shown myself and my family - Terry and Kristen - since we've been here, I can't thank you enough for," Saban told a sellout crowd at halftime of the LSU-Alabama basketball game that Alabama won 71-61.
Saban wearing his official Crimson Tide Shirt and Tie has really hit it off here in Bama.... What will unfold next??? Whatever it may be, We will be sure to keep you up to date! Stop back in soon! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Coach Saban Hires 3 New Assistant Coach's
Coach Saban has hired 3 Assistant Coach's To work with The Tide.......
Kirby Smart, Kevin Steele and Lance Thompson joined his staff Tuesday, but Saban hadn't assigned them titles or duties.
Smart spent last season as the Miami Dolphins' safeties coach under Saban after six years at the college level with Georgia, LSU, Florida State and Valdosta State.
Steele coached Baylor from 1999-02 and spent the last four seasons as linebackers coach at Florida State. He also worked with the NFL's Carolina Panthers and at SEC rival Tennessee.
Thompson spent the last three years as defensive coordinator at Central Florida. He coached Alabama's defensive line for two years starting in 1999, when the Tide won an SEC title. Thompson also previously worked under Saban at LSU as assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator.
Saban still hasn't named an offensive coordinator. Jimbo Fisher, who held that job under him and successor Les Miles at LSU, accepted Florida State's coordinator job Monday.
As reported by : CBS SportsLine.Com
We will Keep you updated with the latest Tide News as we get it! :)
Kirby Smart, Kevin Steele and Lance Thompson joined his staff Tuesday, but Saban hadn't assigned them titles or duties.
Smart spent last season as the Miami Dolphins' safeties coach under Saban after six years at the college level with Georgia, LSU, Florida State and Valdosta State.
Steele coached Baylor from 1999-02 and spent the last four seasons as linebackers coach at Florida State. He also worked with the NFL's Carolina Panthers and at SEC rival Tennessee.
Thompson spent the last three years as defensive coordinator at Central Florida. He coached Alabama's defensive line for two years starting in 1999, when the Tide won an SEC title. Thompson also previously worked under Saban at LSU as assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator.
Saban still hasn't named an offensive coordinator. Jimbo Fisher, who held that job under him and successor Les Miles at LSU, accepted Florida State's coordinator job Monday.
As reported by : CBS SportsLine.Com
We will Keep you updated with the latest Tide News as we get it! :)
Crimson Tide Team INFO
Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Founded: 1831
Enrollment: 20,033
Colors: Crimson and White
Stadium: Bryant-Denny
Capacity: 92,138
Founded: 1831
Enrollment: 20,033
Colors: Crimson and White
Stadium: Bryant-Denny
Capacity: 92,138
Its Official People! NICK SABAN has been officially named The Tide's New Head Coach!!! And they said it wouldnt happen???!!!!! Dont hate on us people! I have been reading alot of the latest articles and its almost humourous!!! We want to win! Nothing more and nothing less. And we have proven time and time again that we WILL do whatever it takes to do so. Nick is a wonderful coach and Bama is a CLASS ACT TEAM!!! We will go far with him. Its just that plain and simple... The ranting and raving and defamation of Our beloved University's name or that of Mr. Saban wont help you in the least. We will rise above the names and the derogatory comments and will end up on top ! Watch and see !!! ROLL TIDE!!!!
Nick Saban couldn't escape his college roots, so he quit trying. Saban was introduced as Alabama's coach on Thursday, touting his championship aspirations and citing his love of college football as a reason for taking a pay cut to leave the Miami Dolphins. Nicks teams always play with pride and confidence! Qualities that All of us Alabama fans want more than anything! We take our college football extremely serious! We want to win! Whats wrong with that? Big salary? Yes.... Will it be worth it? Yes.... Are we glad he is here? Absolutely! Stay Tuned... Bama will go far with Nick leading the way. Take it from someone who has watched faithfully since I was a little girl!!!!
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