Why Tommy Rees Wanted QB Tyler Buchner at Alabama

The offensive coordinator and quarterback reunite with the Crimson Tide after spending the last two seasons together at Notre Dame.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — When the red and white confetti fell on New Year's Eve in New Orleans after Alabama's Sugar Bowl win, it signified the end of a storied career for Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young. 

Since the 2022 season, Alabama and head coach Nick Saban have made a couple of big additions on offense including a new, young offensive coordinator in Tommy Rees from Notre Dame, along with a quarterback also from Notre Dame in transfer Tyler Buchner. 

Rees spoke to the media Sunday for the first time since arriving at Alabama and talked about his relationship with Buchner and how the quarterback ended up with the Crimson Tide at the end of April in the battle to replace Young. 

The offensive coordinator has known Buchner since he recruited him out of high school, and the two spent two seasons together with the Fighting Irish. With Rees in charge of the offense last season at Notre Dame, Buchner was named the starter, but got injured a few games into the season. He did not return until the bowl game against South Carolina, when he threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns. 

"When he went into the portal, we looked at an opportunity to add competition to the room," Rees said. "I think competition at all positions is going to bring out the best in individuals. It's going to add an extra layer of development. It's going to allow people to rise with the competition."

The competition includes redshirt sophomore Jalen Milroe, redshirt freshman Ty Simpson and two true freshman in Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan. All five guys are getting reps at practice, and Rees wants them to prioritize groups success over individual success. 

"One thing we're trying to get the whole quarterback group to understand is, when one guy has success, first of all, we need to look at it as shared success," Rees said. "We need to look at it as the group. We want to leave practice saying, the quarterback position, the quarterback group had a good day. The other thing we want to see is when one quarterback has success, it's going to challenge the rest of the group. And when we can do that, it's going to raise the level of play in the room. And so we don't want to look at it and shy away from it, we want to look at it as an opportunity to improve for the entire group."

Even though Buchner is just a redshirt sophomore, Rees said the quarterback brings a veteran presence to the position group.

"I think he’s hit the ground running with the rest of the guys on the team, especially with the rest of the quarterbacks, and it's been really a healthy transition," Rees said. 

See also:

Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson Progressing Well Through Fall Camp

Nick Saban's Thoughts on Conference Realignment: Prioritize Student-Athletes

Kevin Steele Excited to be Back at Alabama, Keeping Process Consistent