[Tuck4Bama]

Just a heads up on a story that will soon be on the Birmingham News' breaking new page. Alabama coach Nick Saban now only has one spot to fill on his coaching staff. He is expected to hire Bobby Williams.

Say hello to the newest coach

Here's the story:


TUSCALOOSA - Former Michigan State coach Bobby Williams is expected to join the University of Alabama coaching staff, The Birmingham News has learned.
Williams takes over for Ron Middleton, the former tight ends and special teams coach who left after one season to work at Duke. There has been no official announcement on the hire.
Williams worked under Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban with the Spartans. He also worked for Saban at LSU and with the Miami Dolphins. The 49-year old Purdue graduate interviewed with Saban in Tuscaloosa last Friday.
He was offered a chance to join Saban's Alabama staff last year, but declined. The Dolphins subsequently fired him when a new coaching staff arrived.
-- Ian R. Rapoport

Bobby Williams to join Alabama staff - The Rap Sheet - al.com

[Tuck4Bama]

Looks like Williams is on board

Posted by Gentry Estes January 17, 2008 2:59 PM

Categories: Football
It comes as no surprise that former Michigan State head coach Bobby Williams is being reported today as the newest hire on Nick Saban's staff.

UA has not officially confirmed (or denied) the expected addition of Williams (nor does it intend to in the coming days), but he has been the runaway front-runner since special teams/tight ends coach Ron Middleton left the Crimson Tide earlier this month for Duke. As the Press-Register reported at the time, Williams was in Tuscaloosa last week to speak with Saban about a position. He has worked for Saban at each of his previous three head coaching stops.
The above-linked Sporting News story says Williams will be Alabama's tight ends coach. That may prove to be true, but it's not definite yet, said a source close to the program. While Williams is certainly expected to join, his actual positioning on Alabama's staff remains in question, likely causing the delay in an official announcement.

This week's departure of offensive coordinator Major Applewhite for Texas only complicates that decision, as there are any number of ways Saban can now choose to fill out his offensive coaching staff.

FYI: Saban addressed the loss of Applewhite today with this statement:

"Although we are sorry to see Major go, we wish him the best at Texas. He's a fine young coach and he did a great job for us. It's always special to go back to your alma mater, especially a place with as much tradition and history as Texas. Major was a big part of that during his playing days there and will again be a part of it moving forward as a coach. We appreciate all of his hard work and dedication during his time at Alabama.

"We will use this as an opportunity to find the best available candidate and improve our staff in the process."

Looks like Williams is on board - The Bama Beat - al.com

[Stoney]

This will be good for all involved.