As the coaching carousel continues to spin, most coaches want to become a part of the Alabama Crimson Tide staff, not leave it.
However, three different assistant coaches have left Nick Saban‘s purview since the team’s 42-35 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Sugar Bowl.
Tyler Siskey, who served as Alabama’s director of player personnel this past year, was the latest departure.
After linebackers coaches Kevin Steele and Lance Thompson also left for other positions with the LSU Tigers and Auburn Tigers, respectively, questions began to surface whether or not a mass exodus was starting among Alabama’s coaching staff.
Siskey was asked about the possibility after accepting a position as South Alabama’s wide receivers coach under Joey Jones.
“There’s absolutely zero truth to whatever speculation about something like that,” Siskey told Al.com’s Mike Herndon. “It happens every year in this business and in this league. It’s just part of it.
“I’ve been hit with that question about five times today. It’s the first I’ve heard it. You can’t control what people put out there. ... You hear stories and it’s just complete speculation because they don’t know the truth.”
Siskey was merely looking for an opportunity to become a position coach, which he found with the Jaguars.
Otherwise, Alabama has yet to lose one of its key coordinators. Kirby Smart returns for his eighth season as the Crimson Tide’s defensive coordinator. Despite overtures from the NFL, Saban said that offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is “committed” to Alabama “right now.”
If either of those two coaches decide to leave, legitimate concern can set in. Until then, Saban will put together the best possible staff to keep Alabama near the top of college football.
(Photo courtesy of Ole Miss athletic department)