Lane Kiffin reportedly in Alabama helping Nick Saban with offense
Nick Saban may be one of the greatest coaches in college football history, but that does not mean he’s above seeking help from other coaches — even ones who have more or less embarrassed themselves over the past couple of years. According to ESPN’s Brett McMurphy, Lane Kiffin is in Tuscaloosa this week helping to evaluate Alabama’s offense.
The Tide have scored 38.8 points per game this season, which ranks 17th in the nation. Oklahoma, their upcoming Sugar Bowl opponent, has allowed 21.3 points per game — the 23rd-best average in the country. Does Alabama really need help from a guy who was basically laughed off the USC campus earlier this season?
It should probably be noted that Kiffin became a head coach only because he was once one of the most respected offensive coordinators in college football. His work at USC during the Pete Carroll era produced several Heisman Trophy winners and some video-game numbers. Maybe Saban is hoping Kiffin still has some of that magic in him.
A less likely scenario is that Saban could be considering bringing Kiffin on board as Alabama’s offensive coordinator next season. Current OC Doug Nussmeier has been mentioned as a candidate for several head coaching vacancies. After failed stints as a head coach at Tennessee and USC, Kiffin could benefit from getting back to doing what he does best to repair his reputation. And let’s face it — you never know what Saban is thinking.
