Former University of Alabama President Dr. Stuart Bell looks to be on the cusp of heading up another SEC school as the University of Florida has moved forward with Bell as the sole finalist for president.
Following a decorated tenure in Tuscaloosa for Bell, he earned the backing of legendary former Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, who praised the decision by Florida to move forward with Bell.
In a post from the University of Florida on X, Saban was quoted praising the leader that Dr. Bell was for Alabama.
“Dr. Bell is an outstanding person and was a great leader at the University of Alabama,” Saban said. “In the locker room after almost every game, he is a good friend and passionate supporter of athletics — and is someone who made a significant impact on the university and the Tuscaloosa community. I know he will do wonderful things in Gainesville.”
Taking over back in 2015 at UA, Dr. Bell oversaw some of the most significant growth in the history of the school, and his impending new gig at Florida seems like the clear choice to continue success on and off the field for the Gators.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
