Oregon’s Dan Lanning and Washington’s Kalen DeBoer noticed their profiles rise this yr with sturdy seasons. Nonetheless, with Oregon’s huge NIL sources and Washington coming off an look within the CFP, neither Lanning nor DeBoer are ready the place they should make a transfer.
In reality, with the expanded playoff, loads of candidates can be finest off staying of their present position as a substitute of following in Saban’s footsteps and coping with the Tide fan base’s unreasonable expectations.
Among the many different names talked about by Thamel embody Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, an Alabama graduate who turned the Tigers right into a nationwide powerhouse however has struggled to maintain up within the NIL and switch portal period, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, Florida State’s Mike Norvell and Penn State’s James Franklin.
Freeman, 38, is likely one of the high younger coaches in school soccer, and it will definitely be attention-grabbing to look at him compete towards LSU’s Brian Kelly after serving as his defensive coordinator in 2021 with the Irish.
Norvell just lately watched his Florida State staff get leapfrogged for a spot within the CFP by Alabama and will be sure that would not occur to himself once more by becoming a member of the Tide.
As for Franklin, no less than 16 applications (Penn State and the 15 SEC applications not named Alabama) would love nothing greater than for him to take the reins. His greatest declare to fame is both going 9-4 in back-to-back seasons at Vanderbilt or routinely getting blown out by Michigan and Ohio State, take your choose.
One identify not talked about who might have an curiosity within the job is Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. Nonetheless, the Rebels have a robust returning roster and have made some large additions by way of the switch portal this offseason, together with former Texas A&M defensive sort out Walter Nolen and Florida edge Princely Umanmielen. Kiffin has a superb factor getting into Oxford and may view Saban’s retirement as a method for him to lastly break by at Ole Miss.
No matter this system decides, it appears unlikely for Alabama to go the route of an unproven head coach. With a roster anticipated to compete for a nationwide title in 2024, the Tide cannot afford to threat subsequent season on an unknown.
Following a legend isn’t simple. Alabama is about to learn the way tough it’s.
