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Alabama Football: 5 potential replacements for OC Bill O’Brien

By Dante Pryor

Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) defensive back Jordan Battle (9) and quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrate the victory against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) defensive back Jordan Battle (9) and quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrate the victory against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen watches team warm-ups against the Missouri Tigers before the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: De ny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen watches team warm-ups against the Missouri Tigers before the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: De ny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dan Mullen, former head coach at Florida and Mississippi State

If Alabama is all in on Jalen Milroe as the starting quarterback in the fall, there might not be a better choice for offensive coordinator than former Mississippi State and Florida head coach Dan Mullen. The quarterbacks Mullen has coached is a who’s who of some of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in college football over the last 20 years.

Mullen coached Brian Johnson and Alex Smith at Utah, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow while he was Urban Meyer’s offensive coordinator. Mullen coached Tyler Russell and Dak Prescott at Mississippi State. Jalen Milroe is a “Mullen” type quarterback. What separates Mullen from other coaches who like dual-threat quarterbacks is his ability to grow them as passers.

The numbers prove that all the quarterbacks he coached improved as passing quarterbacks. Mullen coached up Tebow enough for an NFL team to draft him in the first round. A Mullen hire could bring back some of the missing physicality to Alabama’s offense. There is still room in the modern game for a physical running game coupled with an explosive passing game.

That said, Mullen seems to enjoy his current, stress-free role as a television analyst. Is he willing to give that up?

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