We are two practices into spring football at the University of Alabama, and Nick Saban is locked in.
Last week, he was complimentary of Bryce Young as the sophomore quarterback continues to develop. Young and Paul Tyson earned reps with the first-team group, but Young pulled in a few more opportunities. The Crimson Tide is making sure both players are prepared to play. Young saw action in nine games last season and totaled 156 passing yards with one touchdown.
He’s the favorite to win the starting job, but Tyson is making it a battle.
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Coach Saban spoke highly of his new coaching staff too, especially Bill O’Brien.
O’Brien, 51, has experience in coaching college players, but he has also had success in the National Football League. He was the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in 2011. O’Brien was with the Patriots for five years (2007-11), but the 2011 season was one where he guided Tom Brady to a 5,000-yard campaign. He was the head coach at Penn State from 2012 to 2013 and Houston Texans from 2014 to 2020. O’Brien works well with quarterbacks and scheming offenses. The general feeling within the program is that he will take the Tide to another level. O’Brien replaces Steve Sarkisian, who won the Broyles Award in 2020.
Sarkisian coached an offense that averaged 48.5 points per game — the most of the Saban era.
On Monday, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine discussed Young and O’Brien on In My Own Words. After having Tuesday off, the Tide returns to practice today at 3:30 p.m. CT. Be sure to subscribe to TDA on YouTube for the latest coverage on Alabama football.
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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.
