[Tuck4Bama]

MyFox Birmingham | Nick Saban Makes Staff Official

[Stoney]

Well there you go Pendry is both offensive and defensive line coach.

[Tuck4Bama]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Well there you go Pendry is both offensive and defensive line coach.

Bo Davis has got the defensive line duties

[Stoney]

If I know Saban he will have the largest staff in college football.

[BamaGal4ever]

Last year's program lists 12 assistant coaches plus two graduate assistants. Saban really cleaned house. He didn't keep any of the old staff.

I'm anxious to see what changes Applewhite makes in the offense. Hopefully, when we get inside the red zone in the upcoming season we'll be able to hit pay dirt.

[BamaGal4ever]

Saban hires Cignetti, gives Major high rank

Tuesday, February 20, 2007
By PAUL GATTIS

Times Sports Staff paul.gattis@htimes.com

Alabama coach completes staff, assigns duties

TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Nick Saban has filled the final vacancy on his coaching staff and announced Monday the duties for his nine assistants.

Curt Cignetti, who most recently worked at North Carolina State, has been hired to be the Crimson Tide's receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. The spot came open when Steve Marshall departed for a job with the NFL's Cleveland Browns.

Saban also announced that Major Applewhite would be the offensive coordinator - the biggest mystery surrounding Saban's staff, though he had been speculated as the offensive coordinator.

Among the highlights of the assignments are that Burton Burns will be the associate head coach while Joe Pendry and Kirby Smart both are assistant head coaches.

These are the assignments Saban announced Monday:

Burns (associate head coach/running backs), Pendry (assistant head coach for the offense/offensive line), Smart (assistant head coach for the defense/secondary), Applewhite (offensive coordinator and quarterbacks), Kevin Steele (defensive coordinator/inside linebackers), Cignetti (recruiting coordinator/receivers), Ron Middleton (tight ends/special teams), Bo Davis (defensive line), Lance Thompson (outside linebackers).

Last year at Rice, Applewhite, 28, was the youngest coordinator in Division I. Saban said Applewhite will call the plays on offense.
"We have a good balance with some young guys who are bright and up-and-coming guys and have a lot to offer in terms of energy and enthusiasm accompanied with some guys who have a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience," Saban said.

Cignetti was named one of the nation's top 25 recruiters by Rivals.com in 2005. As quarterbacks coach at N.C. State, he tutored San Diego Chargers star and Athens native Philip Rivers. He was the assistant head coach with the Wolfpack under former coach Chuck Amato.

He's also had coaching stints at Pittsburgh, Temple, Rice and Davidson. He played quarterback at West Virginia from 1979-82.
His father, Frank, coached at West Virginia and Indiana (Pa.) University, winning 199 games before retiring in 2005. His brother, Frank Jr., is also a veteran college coach.

"He's been a very good recruiter," Saban said. "He's got experience at quarterback, receiver, tight end. (Coaching receivers) is not significantly different. He's been a very good recruiting coordinator as well as recruiter."

Alabama also announced its 15 dates for spring practice, which will start on March 24 and will culminate with the A-Day spring game on April 21. All practices will be closed to the public with the exception of the spring game.

[Stoney]

I just wish Saban would let the rest of us in on who coaches what.

[Tuck4Bama]

Originally Posted by Tuck4Bama

MyFox Birmingham | Nick Saban Makes Staff Official

Hey Stoney, just click on the link

[Stoney]

I guess what I'm getting at is he has more talented coaches that could possibly run the offense. So by keeping everyone in the dark it makes it harder to prepare for the other teams because they don't know if it will be for instance a Pendry consertative team or a wide open Applewhite team. See what I mean?

[Tuck4Bama]

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama coach Nick Saban outlined the
specific duties of his assistant coaches and completed his first
Crimson Tide staff Monday with the hiring of Curt Cignetti as
recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach.
Major Applewhite, a 28-year-old former Texas quarterback, will
serve as the Tide's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
He spent last season running the offense at Rice.
The defensive coordinator will be former Baylor head coach and
Florida State assistant Kevin Steele.
"I feel like it's a good balance of young guys that are bright,
up and coming guys that have a lot of energy and enthusiasm,
accompanied by some guys that have a tremendous amount of knowledge
and experience," Saban said. "I think balance is important.
"I feel very good about the coaching staff here."
Cignetti formerly coached tight ends and quarterbacks at North
Carolina State and also served as recruiting coordinator.
Saban had previously announced the other hires but didn't
disclose positions or who would serve as his coordinators.
The rest of the staff:
--Burton Burns, associate head coach, running backs.
--Joe Pendry, assistant head coach, offense and offensive line.
--Kirby Smart, assistant head coach, defense and secondary.
--Ron Middleton, tight ends/special teams.
--Bo Davis, defensive line.
--Lance Thompson, outside linebackers.

Roll Tide Roll

[Stoney]

Thanks for the post.

[Tuck4Bama]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Thanks for the post.

Glad I could help

[BamaGal4ever]

Originally Posted by Stoney

I guess what I'm getting at is he has more talented coaches that could possibly run the offense. So by keeping everyone in the dark it makes it harder to prepare for the other teams because they don't know if it will be for instance a Pendry consertative team or a wide open Applewhite team. See what I mean?

I think I see what you mean, Stoney. Saban's strategy is to keep our opponents guessing. Another example would be the closed practices. The only time the public will get a peek at what is going on will be the A Day game.

I've heard that Saban doesn't allow his coaches and players to talk to the media. What do you believe is the purpose of that policy?

[Tuck4Bama]

Originally Posted by BamaGal4ever

I think I see what you mean, Stoney. Saban's strategy is to keep our opponents guessing. Another example would be the closed practices. The only time the public will get a peek at what is going on will be the A Day game.

I've heard that Saban doesn't allow his coaches and players to talk to the media. What do you believe is the purpose of that policy?

I believe that Saban's announcing Major Applewhite offensive coordinator speaks volumes about what kind of offence you can expect.

[qdog19631]

Hey BamaGal, Saban usually doesn't let his coaches speak to the media. Most assistant coaches don't want any part of the media anyway. Now as far as his players, Saban will keep his players quiet as well until he is sure they understand what he is about and what they're doing. One other thing, NEVER NEVER, NEVER think you're going to see a Freshman in front of the media. Maybe after the last game of the season or something like that. But it would have to be a very special occasion. Saban is not media friendly but I can't blame him for that. He doesn't trust the media, and after the last two months we can certainly see why. I will say this however, if a reporter plays his/her cards right, and proves he/she can be trusted, the reporter will almost always be granted the interview. It will serve reporters in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa well to be very patient in dealing with Saban. From my experience, its advantageous to not be pushy with him, be upfront and honest, and just be patient. Saban keeps most reporters at a distant but he will eventually let the ones in he feels he can trust. He understands the reporter has a job to do and a deadline. He also understands the fans want to know whats going on. At first he'll give only the necessary sound bites but give him time and he'll begin to open up. One thing is for certain, he understands the importance of the fans and what they mean to the team. He has a great deal of respect for the fans. But make no mistake, when it comes to the game, he is all about winning. He will ALWAYS do what he feels is best for the team and winning regardless of what the fans, arm chairs, and second guessers think. And thats how it should be.