With Steve Sarkisian off to Texas, Nick Saban’s first big offseason task is landing a new offensive coordinator.

Replacing the reigning Broyles Award winner won’t be easy but it appears Saban has a big-name hire he’s ready to make, as multiple outlets are reporting that former Houston Texans and Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien is closing in on the job.

During a Wednesday appearance on a Zoom call, Saban shared some praise for the job O’Brien did coaching the Texans.

“I think he did a really good job in Houston when he was the head coach. I think when he became the GM, things didn’t go exactly how he would’ve like having both roles. I know how difficult it is to do both, probably impossible,” Saban said according to Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News.

O’Brien coached in Houston for six and a half seasons, with a 52-48 overall record with the franchise. Before taking over in Houston, O’Brien led Penn State to a 15-9 record immediately after the Joe Paterno scandal that left the program on sanctions.

If there are any Alabama fans doubting how good of a coach O’Brien can be leading the offense in Tuscaloosa, it’s good to know the coach appears to have Saban’s seal of approval.