Alabama officially confirms Lane Kiffin will return next season

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin will officially return to the team next season.

“We’re very pleased and happy that Lane is going to be staying here at the University of Alabama with us,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said in a statement. “He’s done a fabulous job and is one of the finest offensive coaches in the country.”

Earlier this week at his Senior Bowl press conference, Saban was hopeful that Kiffin would return, but said that coaches always have other opportunities available after a successful season.

“[Kiffin] is going to have plenty of opportunities in the future and we want to continue to help him develop as a coach so when he leaves here, he’ll be in a very good situation,” Saban said. “Our offense was extremely productive last season and we look forward to building on some of the good things we did on that side of the ball with this year’s team.”

Kiffin said at the Sugar Bowl media days that he would “definitely” return for next season, but ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter later reported that the first-year Alabama coordinator was a “front-runner” for the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator position. Not much followed that report, and it seems that Kiffin never really considered leaving.

“I made a comment at the Sugar Bowl that I would be back this fall at Alabama and that is definitely the plan,” Kiffin said in a statement. “This time of year, there are lots of things out there regarding other coaching opportunities, but I want to reaffirm my commitment to the University of Alabama, Coach Saban, and our team. I’m excited about what our offensive staff was able to accomplish last year, but I also think there are a lot of things we can do a better job of in terms of putting our players in the best situation to have success.”

While Kiffin never actually left, getting him to stay may be Saban’s best recruiting job of this offseason.

“After being here for a year, I can see why this is such a special place in terms of the history, tradition, and how much football means to everyone at Alabama,” Kiffin said. “I also have learned so much in the time I’ve spent with Coach Saban and really have a better understanding of what makes him the great coach that he is. I think the more time I can spend learning from him, the better coach I will be in the future.”