Tommy Rees Is Candidate for Alabama Job, and College Football Fans Are in Disbelief

The Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator has never been a head coach.

Alabama wants to move quickly to find a replacement for Nick Saban after the venerable coach announced his retirement on Wednesday. Just a day later, a list of three front-runners emerged as leading candidates for the position. 

Washington coach Kalen DeBoer, Florida State’s Mike Norvell and Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees are the three candidates that have emerged in athletic director Greg Byrne’s search, according to Sports Illustrated’s Richard Johnson. The list was reported after Dan Lanning announced he will stay at Oregon and thus won’t be considered for the position. 

DeBoer might be the hottest coaching name in college football after leading Washington to the national championship game in just his second season with the program. Norvell’s Florida State team finished 13–1 and was controversially excluded from the College Football Playoff. Both have the success and national profile fans would expect for Alabama’s next coach.

Tommy Rees served joined Nick Saban’s Alabama staff as offensive coordinator prior to the 2023 season.  :: Gary Cosby Jr./USA TODAY Network

Then there’s Rees. At 31, he’s extremely young to be considered for a top-tier job such as Alabama. The former Notre Dame quarterback has enjoyed a fast-rising career as an assistant, coaching four seasons as an offensive coordinator. In his lone season on Saban’s staff, the Crimson Tide ranked No. 56 among FBS teams in total offense with 393.1 yards per game. 

Should Rees really be on a list with established head coaches such as DeBoer and Norvell? Is interviewing him a mere courtesy?

College football fans had very strong feelings about Rees being one of the three candidates for Saban’s successor. 

If Tommy Rees gets the Head Coach job at Alabama especially after the Rose Bowl then Byrne might as well pack his bags.

— Roll Tide Roll!🐘 (@YouknowMeMan1) January 12, 2024

If it’s Tommy Rees we are screwed! If it’s Mike Deboer we are screwed! Then I have no clue on fsu coach. Bro this coach hunt is worse than a lottery scratch off especially when you get two matches and heart starts beating on that last box

— Steven (@yousuck4eve) January 12, 2024

Of all the people that won’t be Alabama’s head coach, Tommy Rees won’t be Alabama’s head coach the most https://t.co/eh9bELrIwO

— Play Action Pls- Ji〽️〽️y 🅿️ (@JimboPete6) January 12, 2024

Tommy Rees? 😂 https://t.co/l09ex5st5H pic.twitter.com/iQxM1JA4Jp

— Barning Knight (@BarningKnight) January 12, 2024

Tommy Rees has as much chance of being the next coach as I do. Fans would burn down Bryne's house

— WongHere (@JohnnyBlockers) January 12, 2024

If Tommy Rees gets the job Bama is in for a world of hurt.

— Ryan (@Wilt_Ryan83) January 12, 2024