2025 recruit Marco Jones on Nick Saban's retirement: 'It caught me off guard'

Four-star linebacker among top 2025 California recruits who are considering the Alabama Crimson Tide

Marco Jones, like many, was surprised by Wednesday's announcement from Alabama coach Nick Saban that he is retiring. 

"It caught me off guard," said the four-star junior linebacker from San Ramon Valley-Danville. "But it doesn't change my outlook on the University of Alabama." 

Then again, Alabama hasn't announced Saban's successor either. If it's in house, those who have been recruited there likely won't blink with consideration to one of college football's elite programs 

Most likely, a bigger, established name will replace the legendary coach who led the Crimson Tide 17 seasons to 201 wins, 13 SEC and six national championships.

Among the names most bantered about initially as Saban's replacement are Clemson's Dabo Swinney, Ole Miss's Lane Kiffin and Texas' Steve Sarkisian. 

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne said the coaching search would be "thorough" and "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 told ESPN. "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."

Jones. selected as California's Junior of the Year by Cal-Hi Sports this week, had 166 tackles in 2023. The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder climbed the recruiting ranks almost as quickly as his pursuit of ball carriers and quarterbacks. He's ranked No. 8 overall among California recruits by 247Sports.

Marco Jones (23) had 22 tackles in a 17-7 loss to De La Salle on Nov. 17 / Photo: Eric Taylor

Alabama is one of his 23 offers and he told SBLive that he's planning four unofficial visits in January. The four: Arizona, Arizona State, Miami and Penn State. 

Here are nine other 2025 top California 4-star recruits offered by Alabama and their reactions, if any, to Saban's retirement. 

(Calif. recruit rank by 247Sports, position, Name, High school, # college offers)

2. LB Nasir Wyatt, Mater Dei, 24

3. LB Matai Tagoa'i, San Clemente, 22

4. LB Madden Faraimo, JSerra Catholic, 19

7. LB Noah Mikhail, Bonita, 35

12. RB Jordon Davison, Mater Dei, 50

13. CB Chuck McDonald, Mater Dei, 24

16. DL Hayden Lowe, Oaks Christian, 23

21. QB Bear Bachmeier, Murrieta Valley, 18

23. WR Phillip Bell, Mission Viejo, 37

Mater Dei's 2025 running back Jordon Davison / Photo by John Bowers