Report: Nick Saban reaches out to Jeremy Pruitt for defensive coordinator position

Alabama and Nick Saban are in the hunt for a new defensive coordinator after losing Pete Golding to Ole Miss this offseason. According to Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports, a reunion with former Crimson Tide DC and Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt is on the table. Per Dodd, Saban has already contacted Pruitt.

Here was the report from Dodd:

“Alabama coach Nick Saban has reached out to former Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt regarding the Crimson Tide’s vacant defensive coordinator position, sources tell CBS Sports. It is believed no offer has been made at this time, and Alabama would not speak on Pruitt’s candidacy when contacted for comment.

“Sources indicate Pruitt would face long odds to getting hired by the Tide as the subject of an ongoing NCAA investigation. He was fired at Tennessee two years ago as the NCAA levied allegations of 18 Level I violations on the Volunteers. Level I violations are most serious on the NCAA’s scale of infractions.”

So the Tide could be back with their former defensive coordinator. Although there are some hoops to work through if the two sides want to get the deal done, since Pruitt’s time in Knoxville resulted in a slew of NCAA infractions.

“Pruitt’s candidacy is questionable as it is unknown whether he would be allowed to accept the job if offered,” Dodd added in his report, then outlined the process for actually hiring Pruitt under the circumstances.

“SEC Bylaw 19.8.1.2 requires any SEC school that “considers hiring an individual … who has participated in activity that resulted, or may result, in a Level I, Level II, Level III or major infraction” to have its president or chancellor “consult directly with the Commissioner prior to offering employment to the individual. While that language does not directly disqualify Pruitt, Alabama would need to consult with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey before making the hire.”