Lane Kiffin is getting set to begin his second season as Alabama’s offensive coordinator.

If this year is anything like last season, his name is going to be mentioned often a few months from now when head coaching vacancies begin to pop up. There’s also been an undercurrent in the media, whether or not it’s speculative, that Kiffin came to the University of Alabama with a two-year plan.

Questions about how long the former Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Volunteers and USC Trojans head coach might remain an underling in Tuscaloosa already began to pop up this summer.

Kiffin’s father, Monte, shot down talk his son might be thinking about becoming head coach again when he talked to Fox Sports in July. But after revamping the Bama offense last year — the Crimson Tide had the No. 15 scoring offense in the nation — the rumors are likely to continue.

“He’s gotten some interest,” Monte Kiffin said. “But I don’t think Lane was all excited about going because he wants to get his feet on the ground again.”

While it never hurts to have your name attached to head coaching jobs when it comes time to negotiate contracts, Kiffin would be wise to stay content as the Alabama offensive coordinator for at least a little while longer. Each of his previous head coaching gigs came to ugly ends for one reason or another.

Some coaches happen to be brilliant football minds better suited for assistant roles than for running an entire operation.

Kiffin, 40, is still young enough to take his time figuring out if that’s him or if he can learn what it takes to be a successful head coach.

It’s hard to imagine his personality being content as a college coordinator for the rest of his career, or even a long stretch (like defensive coordinator Kirby Smart), but he’s got plenty of time. Jim McElwain was a decade older when he left the offensive coordinator post in Tuscaloosa to accept his first head coaching job at Colorado State, and three years later, he’s coaching the Florida Gators.

If Kiffin makes good decisions, he won’t have to wait another 13 years to get a big-time head coaching job. Working under Nick Saban for a few more years will allow him to refine himself as a personality. Kiffin always has been a great on-field coach, especially on offense.

As a head coach, Kiffin struggled at times with public relations, exhibiting a lack of vocal restraint in the media. Saban is demanding with his assistant coaches, but executes a near-flawless plan when dealing with the media and all the responsibilities that go along with being the face of a big-time program.

Kiffin could stand to take notes for a few more years while building up more capital.

He faces a challenge this season, leading an offense that needs to replace nine starters. If he repeats the success in 2015 his stock is only going to continue to rise.

The offseason should present Kiffin with some interesting choices. The best thing for Kiffin and Alabama may be for him to stay in Tuscaloosa.