Report: Brian Daboll Expected to be Named OC at Alabama

According to a source, New England Patriots TE coach Brian Daboll will be named the next offensive coordinator for Alabama:

NESN out of Boston floated the possibility yesterday as well.

You can bet that Saban sought the counsel of mentor Bill Belichick if Daboll is indeed the man. Indications are that Daboll was the next man up in New England if current OC Josh McDaniels had left for a promotion as expected, but that never materialized. There will certainly be some concern among Alabama faithful that Daboll would look to return to the Pats if the opportunity should arise.

Style-wise, Daboll has generally featured a run-heavy attack in his three short stints as a NFL coordinator. Kansas City RB Jamaal Charles had his heaviest workload in 2012, Daboll’s only season with the Chiefs, and produced 1500 yards rushing. Unfortunately, the entire coaching staff was fired after a dismal 2-14 season. In fact, the head coach was fired after Daboll’s first season calling the plays at all three of his stops.

Of course, it is somewhat unfair to paint Daboll as a failure, or even as a guy who just wants to run the ball, considering the quarterback talent he had at his disposal. In Cleveland, he was given Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. In Miami and Kansas City he had the immortal Matts Moore and Cassel, respectively. Tough to throw the ball without a serviceable passer.

As always, “trust Saban” will be the mantra here, and if Belichick was indeed ready to give the keys of his offense to Daboll there should be room for optimism. A reporter from ESPN Boston discussed Daboll with Mike Reiss on Tide 102.9:

We will keep you updated as the story unfolds.

Roll Tide.