The true sign of having a player’s coach is seeing how guys respond upon the coach in question accepting a new position.
During his first stint at the University of Alabama (2007-12), Jeremy Pruitt served under Nick Saban as director of player personnel and defensive backs coach.
When he returned last season, he found himself being more hands on with inside linebackers at defensive coordinator.
Behind Pruitt, the Crimson Tide went all in on the “next man up” mentality – seeing how teammates supported each other and provided consistency.
His two years has seen Alabama collect 83 sacks, 198 tackles for loss, 131 quarterback hurries, 108 pass breakups, 39 total turnovers and 12 defensive touchdowns. From naming his youngest son after two Tide linebackers – Reuben Foster and Ryan Anderson — to serving as a father figure for a lot of players on this year’s team, Saban and company did not want to see Pruitt accept a head coach position at Tennessee yet business is business.
For Volunteers’ athletic director Phillip Fulmer, he should look no further than sophomore linebacker Mack Wilson as to how much Pruitt cares about the team he coaches.
Pruitt was the best coach I’ve ever played for. You talk about a coach effecting you.. He really effected me in a good way was more like a father figure being around him 24/7! I appreciate everything, nothing but Love coach! ❤️💯 We’ll see you in Knoxville next year 😏
— Mack Wilson Sr. (@5mackwilson1) December 7, 2017
Always had that fire about him.. A coach who all about his players! We gone miss you at the Tide 4sho 💯🙏🏾 #TrillestCoachInTheGame 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/XCeLMnUF10
— Mack Wilson Sr. (@5mackwilson1) December 7, 2017
Despite not recruiting him, Pruitt treated Wilson like one of his own.
He’s coached the former five-star to his best season at this point, until Wilson sustained a foot injury against Louisiana State University on Nov. 4. Prior to the mishap, the Montgomery (Ala.) native had 21 total tackles, three quarterback hurries and three interceptions (tied for team lead).
While his introductory presser for Tennessee will air at 5:05 p.m. (CT), Pruitt intends to coach Alabama through the College Football Playoff as he looks for a national championship.
Hope you stay here so we can send you off the right way in that crimson and white.. @CoachJPruitt 💯🏆🙏🏾 #UnfinshedBusiness #CFBPlayoff
— Mack Wilson Sr. (@5mackwilson1) December 7, 2017
He was a marquee component in four national titles during the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) era, including three with the Crimson Tide in 2009, 2011 and 2012.
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.
