Nick Saban expects to finalize the rest of his coaching staff before spring football starts.
For the University of Alabama, it is expected to hire Robert Gillespie (North Carolina) for running backs and Jay Graham (Tennessee) for tight ends/special teams. Fans see Gillespie as a home run addition, but Graham is a good move too.
At 45 years old, Graham has experience coaching tight ends and operating special teams.
RELATED: Alabama expected to hire Tennessee RB coach Jay Graham as its new TE coach
He positioned Rory Anderson and Justice Cunningham of South Carolina into the National Football League while mentoring Garrett Palmer (San Diego), Michael Hughes (San Diego), Roberto Aguayo (Florida State), Cason Beaty (Florida State), Tyler Logan (Florida State), Seth Small (Texas A&M) and Braden Mann (Texas A&M) to success as kickers and punters.
On the recruiting trail, Graham is an elite name. He was the primary recruiter for talents such as Cam Akers, Marcus Lattimore, Marquez North, and Isaiah Spiller among others. After losing Charles Huff and Jeff Banks to other jobs, it appears that Saban and the Tide will bounce back with Gillespie and Graham. On Wednesday, yours truly of Touchdown Magazine discussed Graham’s success as a coach via In My Own Words. Graham, like Gillespie, carries SEC ties as he played running back at Tennessee.
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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 @CoachingMSmith
