Tommy Rees played major role in Alabama getting Tyler Buchner

Alabama football’s new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees was instrumental in the Crimson Tide bringing in Tyler Buchner at quarterback, according to Nick Saban. 

Buchner and Rees were both a part of the Notre Dame program during the 2021 and 2022 college football seasons. Rees departed from the program to take the offensive coordinator job for Alabama, and Buchner soon followed. Saban dove into Reese’s familiarity with Buchner during his Thursday press conference. 

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“Tommy knew the guy better than anybody could know him,” Saban said. “I mean, he coached him for a couple years. The guy was injured last year, so he didn’t get as much experience. I think he started two games and played fairly well, so we got the opportunity to see that. But Tommy knows him better than anybody else could. I think you always know a player when you coach them. You know what his strengths. You know what he needs to improve on.”

Buchner started two games for the Fighting Irish last season before getting injured and missing 10 games. He returned from injury to play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against South Carolina. He finished the game with 274 yards passing on 18 completions and three touchdowns.

Saban discussed the California native’s transition to Alabama on Thursday. 

“I still think that he’s probably getting comfortable with the system,” Saban said. “There’s some new terminology in it. And I think he’s probably still getting comfortable with the players around him because the other guys have been with those guys a little more. But I do think there’s really good competition at the position.”

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