Could Alabama have a Heisman-winning kicker in 2016?
This is a question that cannot be answered right now, but Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban has named the leader for his special teams unit. Running backs coach Burton Burns will carry on the third aspect of football this seasons.
He has produced six 1,000-yard rushers, two Heisman Trophy winners and two Doak Walker award winners. Burns is one of three long-tenured assistants under Saban, joining “special assistant” Bobby Williams and strength coach Scott Cochran.
“We’ve got three new assistant coaches. Two of them have been here before so they pretty much know what to expect,” Saban said during Friday’s press conference.
“Burton Burns has sort of taken over the special teams. Bobby’s going to be a special assistant to me. We’re excited about all those people can contribute at new positions.”
“A lot of people to replace, that’s what makes it fun when you lose 25 percent of your team every year. It’s new opportunity for a lot people and roles that other people sort of have to take on the team.”
Burns has been a part of four Southeastern Conference championships (2009, 2012, 2014-15) and four national titles (2009, 2011-12, 2015) since joining Saban’s staff in 2007.
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.
