Former Alabama OC Tommy Rees was backup plan for UNC if Bill Belichick said no, per report
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Former Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees was reportedly North Carolina’s next option had the school not landed Bill Belichick.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter shared the tidbit on Wednesday night after it was confirmed that Belichick and UNC had reached an agreement. The most interesting tidbit to college football fans might be that Rees had Nick Saban as an advocate, per Schefter.
Rees is just 32 years old. The Tar Heels chose to go in the other direction, hiring the 72-year-old Belichick.
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Rees played quarterback at Notre Dame from 2010-13. He sought a professional career, but did not make the active roster with Washington in 2014.
In 2015, Reese got his start in coaching as a Northwestern grad assistant. He then returned to the NFL as an offensive assistant with the then-San Diego Chargers in 2016.
Rees returned to his alma mater in 2017, joining the Notre Dame staff as quarterbacks coach. He was promoted by Brian Kelly to offensive coordinator in 2020, continuing to coach the quarterbacks in 2023.
When Saban needed to replace Bill O’Brien in 2023, he turned to Rees as Alabama’s offensive coordinator and QB coach. Following Saban’s retirement, Rees found a new opportunity with the Cleveland Browns.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
