Nick Saban made sure to give out some praise to new OC Tommy Rees on Friday. Rees joined Alabama from Notre Dame this offseason, where he was the OC and QB coach.

Saban emphasized how much Rees has really developed the players so far. The players seem to like Rees as well, according to Saban.

“The offense was great today,” said Saban. “Tommy does a great job with the players. The players like him. … I’m really pleased with what we’ve been able to do on that side of the ball and how we’ve developed.”

The Crimson Tide offense under Bill O’Brien in 2022 averaged the fourth-most total offensive yards per game (477.1) in the SEC. O’Brien is now the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.

Rees led the Fighting Irish offense last season as they averaged 396 total offensive yards last season. Notre Dame finished the year at 9-4 after beating South Carolina in the Gator Bowl.

Saban and Alabama fans alike will be hoping that Rees can breathe some new life into the Crimson Tide offense in 2023. Alabama ended the 2022 season with an 11-2 record after winning the Sugar Bowl against Kansas State 45-20.

It might be early, but it looks like Rees has Saban’s seal of approval.