Nick Saban reveals QB development was huge part of Tommy Rees hiring

Nick Saban had a clear reason for the hire of Tommy Rees as the new Alabama offensive coordinator. Quarterback development was likely the biggest reason.

With spring practice underway, Saban discussed the impact Rees would have on the quarterback room. With no Bryce Young, Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson look like the top candidates to replace the former Heisman Trophy winner.

Although Eli Holstein and Dylan Longergan will certainly battle. Regardless, Rees should have a big impact.

“I mean, I think the most important thing is not young, not old,” Saban said of Rees’ age in relation to the quarterbacks. “Good. Effective. Good teacher, good quarterback coach, can develop quarterbacks, can help them learn and grow within the position and I think that was one of the critical factors in the search for a new coordinator. It was that the the guy would be a really good quarterback coach and has a history of being able to develop quarterbacks. And I think we did that.”

Rees came over from Notre Dame where he coached under Marcus Freeman. Rather than follow Brian Kelly to LSU, Rees opted for another year in South Bend.

He explained why he joined Alabama and also praised Saban and what he’s built at the traditional power.

“I have the utmost respect for what Coach Saban has built at Alabama and the tradition of this program,” Rees said in a statement. “I’m excited to have this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to getting in the meeting room and on the practice field with this team.”

Tommy Rees brought in to develop Alabama quarterbacks

Rees certainly had his pick of the litter at Alabama. No decision was made about the starting quarterback, but all eyes seem to be on Milroe.

Milroe started in place of an injured Young last season, so he has the most game experience among the group, even if it’s very little.

Milroe made eight total game appearances in 2022 and finished with 297 yards, five touchdowns, three interceptions and a 58.5% completion percentage. He added 263 rushing yards and one touchdown.

Simpson is a very intriguing option.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to the On3 YouTube channel today for all of the latest news on college football, recruiting, NIL, more! 

As a member of the Class of 2022, Simpson was a five-star recruit out of Martin (Tenn.) Westview, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 2 overall prospect in the state, the No. 2 quarterback in the class and the No. 25 overall prospect in the class.