Big Ten Daily (Dec. 15): Nick Saban Hires Former Michigan Staffer Ahead of Rose Bowl

Nick Saban is playing chess ahead of Alabama's Rose Bowl Game matchup with Michigan. He hired former Wolverines linebackers coach George Helow just two weeks before the College Football Playoff matchup.

Nick Saban wants to give his team every advantage possible when Alabama plays Michigan in the Rose Bowl Game on New Year's Day. The seven-time national champion made an interesting move this week, adding former Wolverines linebackers coach George Helow to the Crimson Tide staff.

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic reported the move on Thursday. Helow spent two seasons in Ann Arbor, working for Jim Harbaugh from 2021-22. 

Helow is expected to start helping the Crimson Tide immediately. It gives Alabama a little over two weeks to pick the new staffer's brain about Michigan's playbook.

SOURCES: Former Michigan LB coach George Helow has been hired by Alabama to the Crimson Tide staff. Helow spent the 2021-2022 seasons on the UM staff. Bama faces Michigan in the Rose Bowl, Jan. 1. https://t.co/QuWeZFjuIhhttps://t.co/QuWeZFjuIh

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 14, 2023

To quote Michael Scott from The Office, "Well, well, well, how the turn tables."

Although Helow has previous ties to Alabama's program — he started his career as a defensive intern in Tuscaloosa in 2012 — this was undoubtedly a strategic move on Saban's part. One that he's hoping gets him back to the championship game.

Michigan enters the College Football Playoff with the No. 1 overall ranking. The Wolverines are making their third consecutive appearance, but Harbaugh and Co. have yet to win a semifinal game. 

The task was never going to be easy against Saban and the Crimson Tide. It might've gotten even more difficult. 

Aidan Chiles Heading to Michigan State

New Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith will have a familiar face in his quarterback room in East Lansing. Aidan Chiles has decided to follow his coach from Oregon State to Michigan State.

Chiles announced his commitment to Michigan State in a post on X this week. It's a big addition for the Spartans, as Smith begins to assemble his first roster in East Lansing.

As a recruit, Chiles was a four-star prospect, per 247Sports. He was ranked as the No. 7 quarterback in the 2023 class and was considered a top-75 overall talent.

Chiles spent the 2023 backing up D.J. Uiagalelei at Oregon State, but still played well when he got his opportunities. The freshman completed 24-of-35 passes for 309 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed for 79 yards and three scores on 17 carries.

Unless Michigan State adds another quarterback from the transfer portal, it's likely that Chiles will be the starer for the Spartans in 2024. 

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