David Pollack shares excitement for Tommy Rees at Alabama

The Alabama offense has been a major talking point this offseason, particularly because of the uncertainty at quarterback. No matter who’s under center, that unit will be instrumental in getting the Crimson Tide back to the College Football Playoff after just missing out a year ago.

But according to former ESPN analyst David Pollack, the most interesting part of the new-look offense starts at the top with new coordinator Tommy Rees.

“I’ll tell you what. After watching Tommy Rees last couple years, I love that cat,” Pollack told former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy on Always College Football. “I think he is really, really good. I think he brings an edge and a mentality, too. Like, that dude don’t play around. He ain’t messing around. He’s got a cool demeanor.”

Rees spent the last six seasons at his alma mater, Notre Dame, starting as quarterbacks coach from 2017-19 before moving up to offensive coordinator from 2020-22. He’s now taking over for Bill O’Brien in Tuscaloosa and has already drawn some high praise from Nick Saban.

One of the key pieces to Rees’ offense at Notre Dame was the running game. The Fighting Irish averaged 189 rushing yards per game, which was six yards less than Alabama. But Pollack pointed to the misdirection as the most interesting part. That could help get the running game open, which he said could benefit someone like Jalen Milroe, who’s battling to become the starting quarterback.

While McElroy said he doesn’t think Milroe will win the job, Pollack continued to rave about what Rees brings to the table as coordinator.

“The pre-snap motion, the runs he did last year. If you go watch Notre Dame’s offense, most of them started downhill,” Pollack said. “They start downhill. You think about Milroe in that offense what he could do with his unbelievable, freakish running ability. Now listen, after seeing what you said about you didn’t think he’d necessarily be the guy, I don’t think he’ll be the guy, then. Because I’m 100% I’m gonna go with what to say on that. But I find it hard to believe that that’s what Nick will go back to.

“But Rees does a great job of pre-snap motion and flooding zones, unbelievable job of just understanding what defenses they’re in and using it against them. So I think he’ll do a great job coaching.”

Rees will have his first opportunity to show off his new offense when Alabama starts the 2023 season against Middle Tennessee Sept. 2.