Winning is nothing new for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Saban has brought Alabama six championships (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2020) and he has another one in his pocket from his time at LSU.
Winning is all Saban does, so it's not surprising that when faced with the need for a new offensive coordinator — Alabama was able to land potentially the best option available.
Though it's not official yet, ESPN is reporting that Tommy Rees, former Notre Dame star quarterback turned Fighting Irish offensive coordinator, has officially accepted the same role with Alabama.
At 30 years old, Reese is considered an up-and-comer in college football and he has great experience to bring to the table.
Not only was he a four-year starter at Notre Dame from 2010-13, but he's spent the past three seasons leading the Fighting Irish to a 31-8 record calling plays.
His 2021 offense was ranked No. 19 in the nation in points per game with 35.2. He was so good as a play-caller, in fact, that Brian Kelly reportedly tried to lure him to LSU when he became head coach of the Tigers.
Kelly and LSU had apparently offered Rees a $400K pay increase to come to Baton Rouge.
Source: Notre Dame will be meeting with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees in an effort to keep the former Irish quarterback in place on staff.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) November 30, 2021
LSU’s proposed offer to Rees is 400k above Notre Dame. Rees’ desire is to stay in South Bend at this time.
At the time, Rees was clear that his heart was in South Bend, but it appears as if the opportunity to coach alongside Saban was too much to pass up for the young assistant coach.
In fact, ESPN reports that coaching alongside Saban was the deciding factor for Rees.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!