Change is inevitable, even for an elder statesman.
Bobby Williams is one of three assistants that has served long-term under Alabama coach Nick Saban since 2007, joining the likes of Scott Cochran and Burton Burns.
Aaron Suttles of Tuscaloosa News reported Tuesday that Williams was being transitioned to an off-field position due to the hire of former Central Florida offensive coordinator Brent Key. Key will be charged with handling the Crimson Tide’s offensive line, with specifics on center and guard positions.
Alabama assistant coach Bobby Williams is moving to off-the-field position, staying at Alabama. Story coming soon.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) February 16, 2016
Alabama officially announces that Bobby Williams is moving off the field, calling him a "special assistant to the head coach."
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) February 17, 2016
Prior to hiring Key, Williams’ two offices were special teams coordinator and tight ends coach. Mario Cristobal has been moved to tight ends, yet he will still oversee all left tackles.
The departures of Kirby Smart and Mel Tucker dropped Alabama from ten to eight on-field assistants. Its hires of Jeremy Pruitt, Derrick Ansley and Key puts Alabama at 11 assistants, one too many to be on the field.
Williams’ new title will be “special assistant” to the head coach.
The 57-year-old will more than likely watch from the pressbox next season as he should retain his position on special teams.
Five of the Tide’s 10 non-offensive touchdowns came on special teams last season. Place kicker Adam Griffith increased his field goal percent from 62.9 (2014) to 71.9 percent in 2015.
He nailed a 55-yard field goal in Alabama’s 30-16 win over LSU and tied a school record with five made attempts against Auburn in a 29-13 win. Special teams was crucial for the Tide against Clemson, as running back Kenyan Drake took a 95-yard kick return for a touchdown and Griffith executed a perfect onside kick in its 45-40 victory over the Tigers.
Williams was Saban’s assistant at Michigan State (also head coach, 1999-02), LSU and Miami Dolphins (NFL) prior to joining his staff at Alabama.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
