Tommy Rees deserves Broyles Award for coaching up Jalen Milroe this season
By Andrew Daley
The Frank Broyles Award is given each year to the nation’s top assistant coach, and Alabama offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tommy Rees should be this year’s winner.
Coaching under Nick Saban is no easy task. Earning the trust of one of the most iconic coaches of all time is something that takes a lot of time and dedication, especially when you weren’t even born when Saban began his coaching career.
But after being hired in February of 2023 from the same position at the University of Notre Dame, Tommy Rees has certainly positioned himself into being one of, if not the best, offensive coordinators in all of college football.
The work that Rees has done with Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe has been nothing short of amazing. After an abysmal performance against Texas in week 2, Milroe found himself on the bench against South Florida.
That’s all the motivation that Milroe needed.
Under the guidance and tutelage of Rees, a former quarterback at Notre Dame himself, Milroe has been the foundation of an Alabama football team that has reeled off 10 straight victories, including a stunning last-second victory against Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Since re-earning the starting spot, Milroe has put up Heisman-like numbers, becoming the true dual-threat quarterback that he was expected to be.
The turning point of the season may have been the game against LSU. Rees showed his versatility as a play-caller in a game that saw Milroe rush for 155 yards and four touchdowns.
There’s simply no way Milroe makes that turnaround without a lot of coaching and patience. Tommy Rees has taken what looked like it would be Alabama’s biggest liability this season and turned it into one of their biggest assets.
After an early season loss, Alabama has thrust itself back into the College Football Playoff conversation as well. A victory against top-ranked Georgia in next week’s SEC Title game could help solidify a playoff spot that no one thought was ever possible, thanks in large part to Jalen Milroe.
With a lot of help from the nation’s best offensive coordinator.
