NCAAF · 1 year ago

5 Head Coach Candidates for Alabama Following Saban’s Retirement

John Canady

Host · Writer

Deion Sanders, Colorado HC
Deion Sanders has quickly become considered one of the best player coaches in college football. The former NFL star took the nation by storm when he took the job in Colorado after multiple years of success at Jackson State. Sanders put together a competitive team in his first year. With a whole season to recruit, the program is seemingly on the rise, with many top recruits committing to play and learn under Sanders. While Primetime stated he would likely never be interested in coaching in the NFL, Sanders may be interested in one of the top programs in the country. With a bigger budget for NIL, warmer weather, and being closer to his hometown in Florida, the Crimson Tide gig could be the one to pry the coach away from Colorado.
Dan Lanning, Oregon HC
Dan Lanning was one of the first names to come to mind when the head coaching job became vacant at Alabama. As a graduate assistant, Lanning was part of the Crimson Tide’s National Championship run in 2015. Following his time there, the brilliant young defensive mind finally landed a head coaching gig with Oregon in 2022. Since earning the job, Lanning has built a competitive squad. While it may be hard to see the Ducks coach leaving for a job elsewhere after his impressive season and success in the transfer portal over the last month, this opening will be one of the more highly-coveted jobs in the nation. Expect Lanning to be in the running to fill the vacancy.
Dabo Swinney, Clemson HC
Dabo Sweeney began his coaching career in Tuscaloosa with the Crimson Tide before taking a job as the wide receiver coach for Clemson in 2003. After three years, Swinney eventually earned the head coaching job for the Tigers after being named interim head coach in 2008. Nonetheless, the Alabama native has made his name known as one of the best coaches in the nation, and with the chance to coach a top program near his hometown, the opportunity may be too good to pass up for Sweeney. However, the hurdle the Crimson Tide’s Athletic Department would have to overcome would be the steep $20 million contract buyout to lure Dabo away from Death Valley. But if any program can do it, Bama would be the one.
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss HC
Lane Kiffin is yet another top head coach who has been listed as a name to watch for the Crimson Tide coaching vacancy. The 48-year-old coach spent two seasons as the offensive coordinator for Alabama under Nick Saban. And while the brilliant football mind has put together a contender at Ole Miss, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Kiffin jump on the chance to coach at Alabama.
Kalen DeBoer, Washington HC
Kalen DeBoer recently put together one of the best coaching jobs in recent memory, leading Washington to the National Championship. Despite the loss, nothing can be taken away from the Huskies head coach, especially after the explosive offense he put together to bring Washington back to contention. Nonetheless, his success at the University of Washington won’t go unnoticed. If the Alabama coaching job is offered to DeBoer, you’d have to believe he would at least strongly consider it.
Deion Sanders, Colorado HC
Deion Sanders has quickly become considered one of the best player coaches in college football. The former NFL star took the nation by storm when he took the job in Colorado after multiple years of success at Jackson State. Sanders put together a competitive team in his first year. With a whole season to recruit, the program is seemingly on the rise, with many top recruits committing to play and learn under Sanders. While Primetime stated he would likely never be interested in coaching in the NFL, Sanders may be interested in one of the top programs in the country. With a bigger budget for NIL, warmer weather, and being closer to his hometown in Florida, the Crimson Tide gig could be the one to pry the coach away from Colorado.
Dan Lanning, Oregon HC
Dan Lanning was one of the first names to come to mind when the head coaching job became vacant at Alabama. As a graduate assistant, Lanning was part of the Crimson Tide’s National Championship run in 2015. Following his time there, the brilliant young defensive mind finally landed a head coaching gig with Oregon in 2022. Since earning the job, Lanning has built a competitive squad. While it may be hard to see the Ducks coach leaving for a job elsewhere after his impressive season and success in the transfer portal over the last month, this opening will be one of the more highly-coveted jobs in the nation. Expect Lanning to be in the running to fill the vacancy.

5 Head Coach Candidates for Alabama Following Saban’s Retirement

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