Alabama QB Jalen Milroe takes shot at former offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe had his share of detractors before he led the Tide to an SEC title and berth in the College Football Playoff. But among his critics, few probably expected his former offensive coordinator to be one of them.

Ahead of Bama's showdown with College Football Playoff No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl, Milroe revealed Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, who served as Alabama's offensive coordinator from 2021-22, suggested he switch positions.

"My own offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien told me I shouldn't play quarterback. So there's a lot of things I can have motivation on... He told me a bunch of positions I could have switched to, but look where I'm at right now. So who gets the last laugh?" Milroe said (h/t On3).

Milroe drastically improved this season after struggling against Texas. He was benched by head coach Nick Saban ahead of the Tide's Week 3 win over South Florida, but that game proved Milroe was the best option to lead the offense.

He threw for a season-high 321 yards on Oct. 7 against Texas A&M and had his best game of the season a month later against LSU when he had 374 total yards and four rushing touchdowns. Milroe accounted for 13 touchdowns and only one interception over his final four games, including the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, leading to a sixth-place finish in Heisman voting.

Luckily for Alabama, Milroe didn't listen to O'Brien's advice. Instead, it adds another layer to his underdog story. Milroe's been a castoff and benched, but he's two wins away from winning a national championship as the Tide's starting quarterback. Who would doubt him?