ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter is reporting Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is a “front-runner” for the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator position.
Schefter also mentioned Indianapolis special assistant to the head coach Rob Chudzinski as someone who is in the running for the position. Chudzinski’s name has surfaced from other NFL reporters about the 49ers job, and would be a logical choice for the franchise and new head coach Jim Tomsula.
The question right now is, what exactly does being a “front-runner” entail? Is Kiffin interested? Are the 49ers just casting a wide net?
Even if Kiffin is San Francisco’s first choice, that doesn’t necessarily mean much. Nick Saban would be the first choice head coach for just about every time, but that doesn’t mean he’s in the market for a new gig.
Kiffin previously said that he would “definitely” return next season and has raved about the “amazing opportunity” Saban gave him after being fired from USC. Plus, staying for even one more season would further solidify his chances of becoming a head coach somewhere else, if that is his goal.
But if Kiffin does leave, he would be the third coach to flee Alabama in three weeks, and his replacement would be Alabama’s third offensive coordinator in four years. He would also bail on an offense in transition. The Crimson Tide has to replace its starting quarterback, running back, three wide receivers, tight end, three offensive linemen and fullback. Center Ryan Kelly and left tackle Cam Robinson are the only starters to return to an offense that will be in need of a drastic overhaul with a new starter at the other nine positions.
This season, Kiffin installed a diverse, inventive style of offense, but sometimes his play-calling left much to be desired, particularly in the Sugar Bowl. But Alabama had its highest offensive production to date under Kiffin, and with a clean slate of new faces, he could further mold next season’s team into his style.
While losing him would set Alabama back — especially with so many new starters — there’s no reason to think it would cripple the offense for very long.
Alabama has won games without Kiffin, and it could do it again.
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