Alabama vs. USC

Nick Saban hired Patriots assistant Brian Daboll as Alabama offensive coordinator. He was previously the offensive coordinator with the Browns, Dolphins and Chiefs. Now one could argue there’s been too many offensive coordinators at Alabama in recent years. Saban’s had three in the past six weeks alone (Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian, Daboll). But they all were experienced at calling plays.

Who is the last USC offensive coordinator that was experienced at calling plays before getting the job? Did Tee Martin? Did Clay Helton? Did Kennedy Polamalu? Did Jeremy Bates? Did Sarkisian? Did Kiffin?

Helton was offensive coordinator at Memphis, so I assume he called the plays. But that means one of the past six had playcalling experience. No, USC is not Alabama.

P.S. — It’s also true Kiffin and Sarkisian called plays as the head coach. But I’d argue that created its own set of problems and each eventually gave it up at USC.

10 thoughts on “Alabama vs. USC

  1. You should listen to the Tee Martin interview on this week’s Peristyle Podcast. Some really interesting perspectives on play calling, his history with it, and his approach with respect to personnel. Your inch-deep analysis is missing the point, but hey, your readers don’t check the blog for your football expertise. They’re mostly looking for some breaking news…in the comments section…..

  2. Not sure previous experience is the sole indicator of coordinator success. I could cite examples but the blogger doesn’t read comments and wouldn’t care about data contradicting his lightly thought out theory.

    What a waste of a post. Sad.

  3. Any post on playcalling that mentions Kiffin and offensive coordinators has to have a picture of Kiffin and the gigantic playsheet he hid his face behind while head coach.

  4. Jeremy Bates was the Broncos play caller in 2008.
    You assumed Helton called plays at Memphis?
    If you are going to post, try to know some facts before posting.

  5. Most of Alabama’s offense would fit in a 12 and under team’s playbook. Run a 240 pound back 35 times between the tackles, throw a bubble screen and one or two down field. Wonder how they’d have done without the 30 extra scholarships?
    It was probably more to do with the stability in their program and positional depth than the experience of their OC.
    I’ll take our offense next year with our second year play caller…

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