He was an offensive coordinator at a traditional power program for three years, but Tommy Rees is now in the Southeastern Conference at the University of Alabama.
It is his first time learning under Nick Saban, so the 30-year-old is enduring growing pains.
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Rees has coached the Crimson Tide’s offense to 30+ points only three times this season; however, his most significant accomplishment is growing quarterback Jalen Milroe to be a confident passer. Milroe, a sophomore, has a 175 passer rating on completing 64.7 percent of his passes (99-of-153). He has 13 touchdown passes, including 10 of 20+ yards and 18 total scores.
Alabama has some balance in its rushing attack.
Jase McClellan totals two 100-yard performances and leads the team with 569 yards and four touchdowns.
The senior from Texas is getting hot at the right time, and Alabama’s perimeter weapons — especially Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond — have chemistry with Milroe. The Tide needs to get wide receivers Kendrick Law and Kobe Prentice more involved. It has to have more motion, misdirection, and window dressing to its offense to have defenses thinking more. Does Rees have that creativity in his arsenal? Has he been holding back for the right moment? Both questions are valid, and Tide fans want answers.
Rees coaches against his former employer, Brian Kelly, this weekend.
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Alabama hosts LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium for an opportunity to win the SEC West and get to a conference championship game. Rees can show Kelly that the 62-year-old does not have him figured out early in his coaching career. The Tigers are averaging almost 50 points per game (47.4), so Alabama’s offense has to start fast. Rees has to mix in long drives that work the clock and quick strike plays to score, and keep LSU’s offense on the sideline. Milroe spoke to reporters Monday about how his relationship with Rees has grown throughout the season. The two could have something big in a marquee showdown.
“My relationship with Coach Rees is constantly growing,” Milroe said.
“I think the best thing about it is we have a relationship beyond football. I think it is key when you have a coach that will talk football, but also life as well. I think we have a great relationship when it comes to that.”
Some fans have complained about Rees being in the coach’s box and not on the field. They feel he is not giving himself the best option to coach Milroe effectively and see what his quarterback sees from the box. Milroe, on the other hand, says it does not matter where Rees is. The native Texan told reporters he constantly gets feedback from his offensive coordinator.
“When it comes to games, it does not matter where he is on the field or in the booth,” Milroe said. “The biggest thing is having the right feedback on each play when it comes through in a game. It’s about being on the same page when it comes to the game plan and talking things through. No matter where he is I know I am going to get the right feedback before I get on the field.”
What version of Rees will we see against the Tigers? All eyes will be on the Crimson Tide as ESPN’s College GameDay will be in the house on Saturday night. He has a chance to silence several doubters and show Alabama brings a potent offensive attack.
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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.
