Kenny Stabler will leave the Crimson Tide Sports Network. Weāre hearing that Stabler will depart the crew ā and possibly the south ā to spend more time with his family. With grandchildren on the west coast (and the possibility of a job with his former NFL team, the Oakland Raiders), a move towards the Pacific seems likely.
Expect official word on the departure sometime in the next week.
Stabler has been the color analyst for the Network since 1998. He was not part of the crew for the 2008 campaign, after a pre-season DUI arrest (though those charges were dismissed).
Who will replace Stabler?
The odds on favorite at this point is A-Day color analyst Phil Savage. Savage indicated his interest to Gentry Estes earlier this week:
If the athletic department decides to kick in big bucks or someoneās in tax trouble then other notables like Shaun Alexander, Cornellius Bennett, and Joe Namath would certainly be welcome.
Despite being fan favorites, the budget required for these guys is too large.
Another unlikely fan favorite is Jay Barker. He has had absolutely no experience with live analysis, and his social schedule (with wife Sara Evans) would likely not allow it.
Finally, a move to the booth for Barry Krauss could also be a possibility. It is also unlikely that Tom Roberts will reprise his role as analyst with or without the help of a player guest. Roberts is expected to return to pre-game and broadcast host duties.
Stabler was in town Thursday night for the Bryant Scholarship dinner. Two of his daughters attend the University on the scholarship named for the legendary coach. Children of Bryantās players are eligible for full scholarships to the University via an endowment by Coach Bryant himself.
From BSR
Expect official word on the departure sometime in the next week.
Stabler has been the color analyst for the Network since 1998. He was not part of the crew for the 2008 campaign, after a pre-season DUI arrest (though those charges were dismissed).
Who will replace Stabler?
The odds on favorite at this point is A-Day color analyst Phil Savage. Savage indicated his interest to Gentry Estes earlier this week:
"I said I would love to at least have an opportunity to get my name into the hat if the position is still available, pending whatās going to happen with Kenny," Savage said. "Obviously, heās done a great job over the years. I donāt want to interfere with that. But if thereās a possibility of me getting involved in it, please let me know."
Other potential candidates would certainly include the standouts from last seasonās guest analysts. They include Tyler Watts, Sam Shade, Kermit Kendrick, Steadman Shealy and Tony Johnson.
If the athletic department decides to kick in big bucks or someoneās in tax trouble then other notables like Shaun Alexander, Cornellius Bennett, and Joe Namath would certainly be welcome.
Despite being fan favorites, the budget required for these guys is too large.
Another unlikely fan favorite is Jay Barker. He has had absolutely no experience with live analysis, and his social schedule (with wife Sara Evans) would likely not allow it.
Finally, a move to the booth for Barry Krauss could also be a possibility. It is also unlikely that Tom Roberts will reprise his role as analyst with or without the help of a player guest. Roberts is expected to return to pre-game and broadcast host duties.
Stabler was in town Thursday night for the Bryant Scholarship dinner. Two of his daughters attend the University on the scholarship named for the legendary coach. Children of Bryantās players are eligible for full scholarships to the University via an endowment by Coach Bryant himself.
From BSR
