Alabama AD Greg Byrne Speaks on Coaching Search
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The college football world is buzzing after the news broke Wednesday afternoon of Alabama head coach Nick Saban's retirement.
Along with celebrating the legendary coach's career, many minds turn to wonder who will take the reigns of one of college football's most storied programs.
Greg Byrne, athletic director of The University of Alabama, released a statement on Twitter/X about the upcoming coaching search.
"As with any coaching search, our goal is to be thorough, but expedient. Our ideal candidate will be strong in recruiting and relationship building, player development, excel in Xs and Os and have the overall ability to lead this historic program. There will be plenty of rumors out there during this process. Next time I talk publicly will be to announce our new coach. If you don't hear it from me, don't believe it. Roll Tide!"
Byrne has been with Alabama since January of 2017, and has hired a number of successful current Crimson Tide coaches, including men's basketball head coach Nate Oats ad gymnastics head coach Ashley Johnston.
Byrne has a history of making quick moves during head coaching changes, and it's earned him the nickname of "The Ninja."
Byrne hired Oats just three days after former men's basketball coach Avery Johnson was fired, and Johnston was hired just four days after former gymnastics coach Dana Duckworth stepped down.
What's more, just two days after Alabama baseball's 2023 season ended with an interim coach, Byrne hired Rob Vaughn.
His track record suggests that we may know Alabama's next head football coach very quickly.
