| FTBL Estes: Cutcliffe looking to hire Middleton

moreno_iv

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I hope this doesn't fall into the rumor-mongering category, but there are some new rumors (to me anyway) that special teams coach Ron Middleton may be leaving for the same position at Duke with Coach Cutcliffe. Seems a little strange to me:

Mash Here
 
It's not new, just making the news now. The story started just after the Auburn game this year. Cutcliffe would love to have Middleton again...they worked together at Ole Miss for a few years.

There are a few things in play with this story. One of them has to deal with health issues that he has been dealing with for a few years now with a member of his immediate family. That played a role in him leaving Tampa and coming to T-town (see UAB.)

Along with that add the requirements (time with the team vs time with family) he's dealing with this past year.

Duke offers a great medical system to continue dealing with his personal issues and doesn't have the expectations or demands the job at Alabama now carries with it.

IF he takes the job, best of luck to him. He's done a great job at UA.
 
Yep, I would hate to lose him. Seems like I remember him being mentioned by some of the players as being a pretty jovial and fun-loving guy. If it comes down to health and family, I hope he does what's best for him and his family either way.
 
Hate to lose him. Special teams have looked better under him than they have in 10 years or more.
But a guy has to do what is best for his family.
 
I would hate to lose Middleton. I can’t remember a year when Bama played better special teams than they did this year. But if that’s the way it has to be, then I immediately have to turn my attention to possible replacements. Since Middleton’s recruiting area was Mississippi, it would have to be someone with Mississippi ties, correct? Would we look to Shane Beamer again (just fired by Spurrier)? Since it’s rammajamma’s b-day, I’ll throw Ed Orgeron out there too. Mississippi recruiting ties and I think he’s coached some special teams in the past.

Maybe bring back Mark Tommerdahl. I wasn't impressed with the job he did with our special teams, but he's a fine recruiter.
 
This has been a strong rumor for a a few weeks now, but I was hoping it wasn't true. Middleton was one of my favorites on the staff. If he does go to Duke though, Saban will replace him with another top notch coach. As far as special teams go, BAMA coaches them a little differently than most other schools. The Tide has several coaches that are heavily involved with coaching special teams, but Middleton was the main dude, and a good one. Like Terry alluded to, if his wife was not in poor health (she has MS), he'd still be coaching ST's in the NFL (at Tampa). Gruden loved him, and only let him out of his contract (to come to BAMA) because of his wife's situation.

With whatever he decides, I wish nothing but the best for he and his family.
 
Yeah it looks like its finally official. You can't blame the man, family comes first and he will get much closer care in Durham. If its indeed true that it's official then I wish him the best of luck. Your heart has to go out to him and his family.
 
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