It's been a busy week with two members of the 2013 staff leaving the program for other programs. At this time I expect more staff changes, which could include different roles for members of the current staff. The Lane Kiffin hire caught a lot by surprise, but not me. As I wrote the night that Doug Nussmeier left for Michigan, I expected Kiffin to be the first choice. He made a major impression during his week-long visit in December. His ideas and his aggressive, attacking play calling style will be welcome in Tuscaloosa.
Chris Rumph heading to Texas was a bit of a surprise. He wasn't one I was watching as a potential staff member on the move. I can report that Ed Orgeron is seriously in play for Alabama, at least from UA's end. Alabama will make a run at him. It certainly doesn't hurt that Ed was on staff with Lane at Tennessee and USC. Orgeron has made no secret of the fact that he wants to be a head coach, and with the way he led USC this season, a program may take a chance on him. Orgeron may wait for the domino game to play out to see what jobs come open. However, if Alabama targets him as "the" guy, I expect another quick hire. As I said wrote with the offensive coordinator position, I expect a quick hire. But that all depends on getting the right guy. If it takes waiting a bit to get the right guy, then UA will wait.
But as I wrote above, I don't expect the staff changes to end with Nussmeier and Rumph. Stay tuned.
I've talked to several sources regarding Vinnie Sunseri declaring for the NFL Draft. One source extremely close to Sunseri said it was 50-50 a few days ago. Vinnie graduates in the spring. I'll keep you up to date as I learn more.
Per a source Altee Tenpenny was not in class this week, and as of Friday was still in Arkansas. Tenpenny is dealing with a serious illness in the family. One source told me to expect a medical hardship transfer to be requested. I know the staff loves Tenpenny. I'll keep you posted on anything new with this.
I expect to see some more attrition too. From players transferring to some being shown the door, the roster could look a lot different by the time summer roles around. There will be come-to-Jesus meetings so to speak for some players to determine if they're going to buy in to the Process. Some players grew frustrated with lack of playing time and wouldn't listen to the veterans. It's not systemic, but it is a problem that is being addressed.
This post was edited on 1/12 9:38 AM by Aaron Suttles
http://alabama.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=427&tid=197029176&mid=197029176&sid=885&style=2
Chris Rumph heading to Texas was a bit of a surprise. He wasn't one I was watching as a potential staff member on the move. I can report that Ed Orgeron is seriously in play for Alabama, at least from UA's end. Alabama will make a run at him. It certainly doesn't hurt that Ed was on staff with Lane at Tennessee and USC. Orgeron has made no secret of the fact that he wants to be a head coach, and with the way he led USC this season, a program may take a chance on him. Orgeron may wait for the domino game to play out to see what jobs come open. However, if Alabama targets him as "the" guy, I expect another quick hire. As I said wrote with the offensive coordinator position, I expect a quick hire. But that all depends on getting the right guy. If it takes waiting a bit to get the right guy, then UA will wait.
But as I wrote above, I don't expect the staff changes to end with Nussmeier and Rumph. Stay tuned.
I've talked to several sources regarding Vinnie Sunseri declaring for the NFL Draft. One source extremely close to Sunseri said it was 50-50 a few days ago. Vinnie graduates in the spring. I'll keep you up to date as I learn more.
Per a source Altee Tenpenny was not in class this week, and as of Friday was still in Arkansas. Tenpenny is dealing with a serious illness in the family. One source told me to expect a medical hardship transfer to be requested. I know the staff loves Tenpenny. I'll keep you posted on anything new with this.
I expect to see some more attrition too. From players transferring to some being shown the door, the roster could look a lot different by the time summer roles around. There will be come-to-Jesus meetings so to speak for some players to determine if they're going to buy in to the Process. Some players grew frustrated with lack of playing time and wouldn't listen to the veterans. It's not systemic, but it is a problem that is being addressed.
This post was edited on 1/12 9:38 AM by Aaron Suttles
http://alabama.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=427&tid=197029176&mid=197029176&sid=885&style=2
