The football world knows Nick Saban loves ball control. A majority of opposing teams understand Alabama’s game plan is revolved around running backs, yet and still, only a few have succeeded in slowing it down.
However, a change of pace occurred when former University of Southern California head coach Lane Kiffin came to Tuscaloosa as the new offensive coordinator in 2014. Kiffin brought his “West Coast” style to town and the Tide become a scoring machine, which led to many players breaking school records during his tenure.
What will the offense look like now with former New England Patriots assistant, Brian Daboll at offensive coordinator?
Daboll worked under Patriots head coach Bill Belichick from 2000-2006 serving as a defensive assistant and wide receivers coach; then, he later left to accept another job and came back in 2013 on the Patriots staff from 2013-2016 as an offensive assistant. He was later elevated to become the Patriots tight ends coach.
Daboll also has ties to Saban as a graduate assistant at Michigan State from 1998-99.
Thus far in his coaching career, the quarterbacks that Daboll has tutored in the National Football League at offensive coordinator/quarterback coach were Chad Pennington (NYJ), Brett Favre (NYJ), Brady Quinn (CLE), Colt McCoy (CLE), Matt Moore (MIA) and Matt Cassel (KC, New England). He has never worked with any quarterbacks during his time in New England with Belichick.
Daboll’s resume says it all. He’s a winner. Nick Saban is a winner.
It is what he continues to instill in his players: work like you want to win a championship. This system is set up for the offense to have a successful run game and throwing short passes. However, from time to time, the quarterback can take a deep shot downfield — if an opportunity presents itself with the receiver having a favorable matchup. With the talent Alabama boasts on offense in Calvin Ridley, Robert Foster and Cam Sims, improved passing from Jalen Hurts or accuracy from Tua Tagovailoa/Mac Jones will frustrate a secondary.
The system shouldn’t change much with Saban and Daboll having a history of working together.
As for any lingering questions, all Tide fans want to see is balance and firm execution. Daboll has been around the pro-style offense a lot in his career in coaching, so it makes his transition to Alabama look seamless.
Alabama fans, what are your thoughts? If you were an offensive coordinator, what would you run?
