If one was to allow outsiders to tell the story, Alabama’s hiring of Brian Daboll to replace Lane Kiffin at offensive coordinator had absolutely no appeal.
It was a move that came straight out of left field, but through nine games it has been effective for the Crimson Tide to say the least.
According to the Frank and Barbara Broyles Foundation and members of Football Writers Association of America, Daboll was one of 56 nominees for the Broyles Award.
News was announced on Wednesday as the honor goes to the nation’s top assistant coach.
In his first season away from the National Football League, Daboll has brought a number of different tendencies to Alabama’s offense. When looking at national statistics, the Tide is ninth in scoring offense (40.9 ppg) and ninth in rush offense (278.4 ypg).
Should one turn its attention to the Southeastern Conference, Alabama is first in scoring, second in total offense (477.4 ypg) and second in rushing offense.
Behind Daboll, the Tide has accounted for at least 40 points in six regular season games – including a 50-point (Vanderbilt) and 60-point showing versus Ole Miss.
He has also helped with the development of Jalen Hurts, as the sophomore quarterback has completed 60.6 percent of his passes for 1,406 yards with 10 touchdowns to one interception.
Daboll joins seven other SEC assistants on the list, which has Kevin Steele of Auburn, Mel Tucker of Georgia and Dave Aranda of LSU just to name a few.
Former Alabama defensive coordinator and current Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart was the last Tide assistant to win.
He took home the honor in 2009, after capturing a national title with Alabama.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
