Greg McElroy finished his Alabama career after the 2010 season, going to the NFL in 2011. Shortly thereafter, Alabama and coach Nick Saban changed their offensive system dramatically.

Heading into the 2023 season, Alabama needs a new offensive coordinator, as Bill O’Brien has left for the same role with the New England Patriots.

On “Always College Football,” McElroy explained how this is the most important hiring of the Nick Saban era since the move to Lane Kiffin in 2014:

“As far as Alabama’s offensive coordinator is concerned, this is, I think, one of the biggest hires of Nick Saban’s career,” McElroy said. “Maybe not to the same extent as the 2014 Lane Kiffin, you know, bring the offense into the new era hire. That was the biggest. There’s no denying that.

“But you think about what is coming. Bama, now still, national championship aspirations every single year. That’s not going to change for as long as Nick Saban is there. They’re going to be in the mix to win a national championship. But, where are they going to go?”

Who will Alabama choose to replace O’Brien? That remains to be seen, but McElroy and many others around the country will be watching Saban’s decision closely.