Alabama Hiring Tommy Rees as New Offensive Coordinator
Alabama has a new offensive coordinator.
Former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is expected to take the same job with the Crimson Tide sources have confirmed to Sports Illustrated just one day after coming down to Tuscaloosa and interviewing for the job.
He will become the 10th different offensive coordinator under Nick Saban, replacing Bill O'Brien, who left for a job with the New England Patriots in January after two years in Tuscaloosa.
Rees spent the last five seasons as an assistant at Notre Dame, starting out as the quarterbacks coach before adding on offensive coordinator responsibilities in 2020. He was a quarterback himself for the Fighting Irish from 2010-2013.
At 30 years old, Rees is the second-youngest offensive coordinator hired by Saban at Alabama. Only his first OC in 2007, Major Applewhite, was younger at the time.
In his time at Notre Dame, Rees coached quarterbacks Ian Book and Jack Coan. Book ended up as the program leader in wins for and quarterback and second in all-time passing touchdowns. The last three seasons, he has coached one of the most successful tight ends in college football, Michael Mayer.
Last season, the Irish averaged almost 32 points per game. In 2021, Rees had a top-20 scoring offense at Notre Dame that averaged over 35 points and 426 yards per game.
Rees worked under current LSU coach Brian Kelly at Notre Dame. According to SI, Rees almost followed Kelly to LSU last season, but elected to remain at his alma mater to work under Marcus Freeman. Because Notre Dame is a private university, it does not have to release official contracts, but Rees' salary last season was reported to be around $2 million. For reference, O'Brien's salary was $1.1 million for Alabama last year.
With two-year starter Bryce Young off to the NFL, Rees will be inheriting a quarterback competition as the Crimson Tide begins spring practice in a few weeks.
This story will be updated.
See also:
Report: Todd Grantham Returning to the NFL
Alabama Announces 'Yea Alabama' as Official University NIL Entity
Official: Nate Oats' Contract Extended Through 2028-29 Season
