Timeline for Alabama to name Nick Saban replacement revealed

The Alabama Crimson Tide are using time effectively when it comes to replacing Nick Saban.

To be frank, that's not going to be easy to do and the next coach at Alabama will surely have the biggest of big shoes to fill, but athletic director Greg Byrne is already on the trail.

He may not have wanted to have to replace Saban, but he has no choice but to take his biggest swing. He also has to do it quickly, because the transfer portal is going to start looking mighty enticing for some of Alabama's top talent.

On that front, John Brice over at Football Scoop is reporting that Bryne is hoping to have Saban's replacement announced to the world by the end of the week.

"Multiple sources tell FootballScoop that today has been an incredibly active day in the Crimson Tide's ongoing search," Brice reported. "Byrne has told the program and others within the athletics department that he intends to name Saban's replacement by the end of this week."

The Football Scoop report also names several coaches who are "serious contenders" to earn interviews with Byrne. That list includes Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell and current Crimson Tide offensive coordinator, Tommy Rees.

Other coaches who have been linked to the job include Mike Locksley – head coach at Maryland – and Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz. Locksley was Alabama's offensive coordinator in 2017 and 2018. Drinkwitz just led the Missouri Tigers to an incredible 11-2 record with a win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl