Lane Kiffin To Return To Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced Saturday that offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin would remain in his current position with the Crimson Tide. Kiffin was a finalist for the Broyles Award last season, which is given annually to the top assistant coach in college football.
“We’ve very pleased and happy that Lane is going to be staying here at the University of Alabama with us,” said Head Coach Nick Saban. “He’s done a fabulous job and is one of the finest offensive coaches in the country. He is going to have plenty of opportunities in the future and we want to continue to help him develop as a coach so when he leaves here, he’ll be in a very good situation. Our offense was extremely productive last season and we look forward to building on some of the good things we did on that side of the ball with this year’s team.”
Alabama set a school record in 2014 for total offense while quarterback Blake Sims and wide receiver Amari Cooper both set records for passing yards and receiving yards. The Crimson Tide ranked in the top 20 nationally in both scoring offense and total offense last year.
“I made a comment at the Sugar Bowl that I would be back this fall at Alabama and that is definitely the plan,” said Offensive Coordinator Lane Kiffin. “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.”
Several reports surfaced in the past month that he was under consideration for several NFL jobs, including the offensive coordinator position for the San Francisco 49ers. He ultimately decided to stay in Tuscaloosa.
“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,” said Kiffin. “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.”
