Paul Finebaum critical of Alabama’s hiring of OC Brian Daboll: ‘It’s a step backwards’
Published:
Were you surprised when you heard Alabama was likely to name little-known New England Patriots tight end coach Brian Daboll to replace Steve Sarkisian as the Tide’s next offensive coordinator? If so, you apparently weren’t alone.
SEC Network radio host Paul Finebaum didn’t have many kind words to describe the potential hire by Alabama Monday during his most recent interview with JOX FM’s The Opening Drive radio program.
“I’m going to be cautious before I get too excited about this hire,” Finebaum said on the air. “I know he’s been a coordinator three times in the NFL, but he’s been with three horrible teams (Cleveland in 2009-2010, Miami in 2011, Kansas City in 2012), and his offense has been rated rather poorly.
“He’s worked with Bill Belichick for a long period of time and has never been a coordinator (under Belichick)… I know people are saying he’s being groomed to be one but I think it’s a reach. I’m uninspired by the choice, and I think you have to keep an eye on what exactly is Nick Saban saying by this choice. Is he changing philosophy with two quarterbacks on his roster right now who necessarily don’t fit pro-style mentality?”
Finebaum was then asked why Alabama would go this route, as the host of the program did not want to suggest Saban was settling with this hire.
“I’ll say it, Saban is settling with Daboll,” Finebaum continued. “He’s doing that because he’s tired of dealing with the Lane Kiffins of the world. I think he’s tired of running not only a great football program, the best in the country, but of running the kindergarten class in his coaching offices, so he wants someone who will come in and will do what he wants to do and I think it’s really that simple.
“I frankly think it’s a step backwards. I’m not second guessing Nick Saban… but I think it’s a lackluster hire.”
Harsh words from Finebaum on Daboll before he is officially on the job in Tuscaloosa. Based on the initial review, don’t be surprised when Finebaum has a hard time getting the latest Alabama coach to join his radio program in the near future.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
