Since Brian Daboll left his position as Alabama’s offensive coordinator after only one year to return to the NFL ranks, many have been wondering who would fill that position in 2018.

Now, it appears the Crimson Tide are closing in on a new hire, and will promote from within rather than bring in an outside hire.

After it was reported that SEC commissioner Greg Sankey may have a problem with coach Nick Saban hiring former Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze, it was reported by FootballScoop.com that the Tide are expected to promote assistant Mike Locksley to the position:

Mike Locksley is expected to take over as offensive coordinator sources tell FootballScoop. Hugh Freeze has now met with Nick Saban. We hear Jimmy Sexton believes this is the right way to get Hugh back into things. Although this is not a done deal, most coaches we speak with believe Hugh will wind up at Alabama in some capacity.

Locksley served as the Crimson Tide’s WR coach and co-offensive coordinator in 2017 and as an offensive analyst on Saban’s staff in 2016.

What will he do with the situation at quarterback, where Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa are competing for the starting spot? That remains to be seen, but it appears the Tide have their man to replace Daboll.