Ex-LSU QB joins coaching staff for rival SEC team

It’s always a little awkward when someone who was a notable athlete at one school gets hired in a coaching role for a rival program. That’s what’s happening with one former SEC quarterback.

Zach Mettenberger has been hired by Alabama as a football analyst. Mettenberger, of course, played quarterback at LSU from 2011-2013. He threw 35 touchdowns passes and 15 interceptions over his three seasons there. His teams went 1-3 against Bama, including a loss in the BCS Championship Game.

Now 30, Mettenberger bounced around in the NFL from 2014 to 2017 and tried a few other professional football leagues thereafter. He has coached in high school the last two years and is making a big step up by joining Alabama’s staff.

Though Mettenberger is an LSU Tiger, there really aren’t many better places in all of college football to coach. Sure, being at Alabama has its downsides according to some. But working under Nick Saban not only gives someone the opportunity to see the secrets to success up close, but it also provides a significant boost to one’s resume, making the person an attractive coaching hire.