Alabama may already have a replacement for Nick Saban in mind, per report

Alabama is suddenly in the market for a football coach after Nick Saban, regarded by most as the greatest college football coach in history, announced his retirement from the program, effective immediately. Could the school already have a replacement in mind going forward?

One coach who recently took his team to the College Football Playoff has apparently been on the school's radar, as Alabama athletic director has been interested in Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer "for some time," according to Colin Cowherd.

DeBoer is coming off a 14-1 season with the Huskies, which ranked No. 1 nationally in passing offense and played for the national championship this season, and he's 104-12 in his career as a football coach.

Washington is seeking to sign him to a long-term contract after his success over the last two seasons.

For his part, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne said flatly that the next time the public would hear from him would be when he has a replacement for Saban lined up, and to take any rumors about his decision with a grain of salt.

“As with any coaching search, our goal is to be thorough, but expedient. Our ideal candidate will be strong in recruiting and relationship building, player development, excel in Xs and Os and have the overall ability to lead this historic program," Byrne said.

"There will be plenty of rumors out there during this process. Next time I talk publicly will be to announce our new coach. If you don’t hear it from me, don’t believe it."

While any name connected to Alabama at this point is purely in the speculation stage, it's worth noting that the school would have the interest of some of the biggest names in college football, and that Bama is willing to pay for the right man.

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