Alabama OC Lane Kiffin will return to team for next season

Alabamaannounced on Saturday that Lane Kiffin will remain with the team as offensive coordinator.

The news comes after a report surfaced earlier this month saying Kiffin was the frontrunner for the San Francisco 49ers' vacant offensive coordinator position.

"I made a comment at the Sugar Bowl that I would be back this fall at Alabama and that is definitely the plan," Kiffin said in a news release. "This time of year, there are lots of things out there regarding other coaching opportunities, but I want to reaffirm my commitment to the University of Alabama, Coach Saban, and our team. I'm excited about what our offensive staff was able to accomplish last year, but I also think there are a lot of things we can do a better job of in terms of putting our players in the best situation to have success.

"After being here for a year, I can see why this is such a special place in terms of the history, tradition, and how much football means to everyone at Alabama. I also have learned so much in the time I've spent with Coach Saban and really have a better understanding of what makes him the great coach that he is. I think the more time I can spend learning from him, the better coach I will be in the future." 

Under Kiffin last season, Alabama ranked fourth in the SEC in yards per play and second in points per game. The Crimson Tide finished 12-2 after losing to Ohio State in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.

Kiffin was a finalist for the Broyles Award given annually to the nation's top assistant coach. He reportedly signed a three-year contract in 2014 that will pay him $680,000 next season and $714,000 in the third year.

Alabama recently lost defensive assistants Kevin Steele and Lance Thompson to LSU and Auburn, respectively.

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