Three Big Questions: Alabama Crimson Tide
A look ahead at what what 2023 has in store for each FBS program, alphabetically
Few teams, if any, have had the run of dominance that the Nick Saban-led Crimson Tide have enjoyed. In case you were wondering, that’s six National Championships (three in the BCS era, and three in the Playoff Era), six Playoff appearances, eight SEC championships, and a 109-18 overall record. Last season, quarterback Bryce Young may have earned the Heisman, the fourth under Saban at Alabama, but the Tide’s 2022 season was a disappointment.
Team Information
School: Alabama Crimson Tide
Conference: Southeastern (West)
2022 Record: 11-2 (6-2)
Bowl: 42-20 win over Kansas State in Allstate Sugar Bowl
Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Nick Saban, 17th season
Offensive Coordinator: Tommy Rees, 1st season
Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Steele, 1st season
1. How does Tommy Rees replace Bill O’Brien?
The biggest news for the Tide’s offseason was offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien leaving Tuscaloosa to take over the New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator position. With that, there was a massive hole left over. The search to replace O’Brien, however, didn’t go as smooth as Nick Saban would’ve liked. Joe Moorhead, who we discussed yesterday, turned down Saban’s call to remain Akron’s head coach. Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb met with the Crimson Tide brass, but elected to remain in Seattle. So, Saban had to turn to his third option: Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
Rees is one of the least experienced offensive minds we’ve seen in Tuscaloosa in a long time. He has only helmed an offense since 2020, when Notre Dame made its first—and only—College Football Playoff appearance. O’Brien, on the other hand, had stints as a GM/Head Coach in the NFL.
From all outside views, Rees has done well in spring camp. Saban has praised his new coordinator many times, and players have also enjoyed working under Rees. From what I can gather, it seems he is less of a disciplinarian than O’Brien, and is more of a player’s coach. That’s not a bad thing, especially with Lord Saban presiding over the team.
One major benefit: Rees is heralded as a quarterback guru. Saban stated that finding a quarterback-minded offensive coordinator was a “critical factor” of the OC search, and Rees fits that bill. He has shown he can recruit the most important position at a high level: he was instrumental in the transfer recruitment of Sam Hartman, and also brought in four-star Kenny Minchey with the 2023 class.
Time will tell if Rees fits into the Tide’s lofty goals, but he certainly bucks the trend of Saban Reclamation School offensive minds. Maybe a young, fresh coordinator is enough to propel the Tide past Georgia and the rest of the nation.
2. Who is behind center?
Heisman trophy winner Bryce Young is a lock for the top two picks of the NFL Draft. So, who’s going to replace him?
Throughout spring ball, it seems like the competition is between Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson. Milroe, a redshirt sophomore heading into 2023, has been with the Tide as Young’s backup for the past two seasons. He made one start a year ago in a 24-20 win at home against Texas A&M. In that game, he went 12-19 for 111 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Nothing spectacular, but nothing that implies that Milroe is a championship-caliber quarterback. Across his action in 2023, he posted a low, but workable 82.0 QBR, 297 yards, and a five-to-three touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Simpson, on the other hand, is a raw five-star quarterback coming off of a redshirt season. He played in the maximum four games before garnering the shirt, going four-for-five on pass attempts for 35 yards.
Both are dual-threat guys, with Milroe being more of a runner than Simpson. Simpson’s arm, however, seems to be stronger than Milroe’s. So, that’s a toss up.
Alabama’s coaches and players, as to be expected, have been tight-lipped about the quarterback battle. Saban has continuously repeated that both players have improved throughout last season and this spring. We won’t truly know who the starter will be until the Tide take the field September 2 against Middle Tennessee State, but the battle has been very intriguing.
3. Do all of the transfers out hurt the Tide?
Year in and year out, Alabama has to reload from the NFL Draft. But the transfer portal has hit them incredibly hard this season. Saban and company have to now contend with the portal.
Currently, the Crimson Tide have 17 players in the portal or committed elsewhere. To replace that, they’ve only brought in two transfers. Two!
The offensive depth has been hit hard, with six pass catchers leaving, including big names like JoJo Earle, who was expected to be one of Alabama’s top receiving threats this season. They also lost five offensive linemen, and didn’t bring anyone in to replace them.
Clearly, this is a problem. Having a whopping 17 transfers out is bad for any program, even Alabama. They haven’t added any major impact transfers, which is even more worrying. But, this is Alabama and Nick Saban. What could go wrong?
A lot, actually. Injuries happen, and this is already a team stripped of its top-caliber talent by the NFL. They have more question marks across the roster than I can remember a Saban-led team having. They’re already coming off of a disappointing season. Do the Tide have enough depth left to retake the SEC crown?
In the end, I believe Saban and company will figure this out. They signed the top ranked recruiting class again in 2023, and having impact freshmen isn’t unheard of in Tuscaloosa. As long as the young players play up to expectations, and Saban will certainly command that, Alabama will be fine.
What are the expectations for the Crimson Tide in 2023?
The same as it’s always been: Natty or bust. Anything less is a disappointment. They need to be back in the playoff with an SEC crown, or questions will start to be asked. Now, don’t get this confused: Saban is safe, and has the keys to Tuscaloosa until he decides to retire. But, assistants and players will be questioned. This is a talented team, though, and should be able to reach those lofty expectations. They’ll be a playoff contender all season, simply by virtue of wearing the Crimson and White.