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Alabama Football: 3 biggest 2021 offseason questions facing the Tide

By Dante Pryor

Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood (70) celebrates with the CFP National Championship trophy after beating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood (70) celebrates with the CFP National Championship trophy after beating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 20: Head coach Bill O’Brien of the Houston Texans is seen during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2019, in Indianapolis Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 20: Head coach Bill O’Brien of the Houston Texans is seen during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2019, in Indianapolis Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

3. Can O’Brien do what Sarkisian did for the Alabama offense in 2021?

With offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian hired as head coach of the Texas Longhorns, Nick Saban turned to former Houston Texans and Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien to take over the offense. O’Brien inherits a talented albeit inexperienced roster. There is turnover all over the offense. There will be first-year starters at wide receiver, running back, quarterback and along the offensive line.

What made O’Brien an attractive hire for Saban? What Alabama did last season offensively is relatively unheard of in the college game. Usually, teams have their offensive philosophy, and that’s what they run each week. What Alabama did was take their philosophy and change every week based on matchups. Specifically, their offense hinged on putting Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle (until the injury) and Najee Harris in the best position to be successful every week.

Sarkisian said on the AP Top 25 College Football Podcast that he aimed to get the ball in the hands of their best players. That is a very NFL-like approach to offense, which is why O’Brien makes sense. Though O’Brien coached the Houston Texans and spent time in New England as an assistant, he has as many years as a college assistant. It’s the experience at the pro level, however, that is attractive.

If O’Brien can keep those pro-style philosophies, Alabama can continue to have success.

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