What is the latest on Chip Long to Bama?
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Link is to a 'Bama site that does mention Long as a possibility. The latest speculation was Hugh Freeze, who apparently was on campus recently. Long is from Alabama, so there is some connection there. 'Bama fans don't seem to think it will be Long, . . but who knows? Would be tough for Long to pass on it if given the offer. Saban/Tide is the top of the pyramid now, and Alabama is home.
Link: http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2018/01/alabama_offensive_coordinator_6.html
When you look a list of former Alabama OC's, Long seems a little lightweight. With the exception of Applewhite 10 years ago, which was in Saban's 1st year at Alabama when he wasn't the hot commodity he is now, Saban seems to hire guys who are much more experienced. He may be looking for a guy who is interested in staying more than a year. Hugh Freeze makes sense in that way and even though Saban has shown a propensity to pick up coaches with baggage, that would seem odd to me considering Freeze's baggage.
The chief speculation seems to be based on the fact that Long is from Birmingham and played at North Alabama which wouldn't seem to play much of a part in Saban's thinking. It's not like Saban needs more reasons than the obvious ones to hire coaches.
Who knows? The fact that Long is allegedly out recruiting might be an indication he isn't leaving but stranger things have happened.
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Even if it is just Long's agent spreading the rumor, ND has set a precedent for how it will handle these situations.
LSU and Texas did it for both their DCs and Aranda was already the highest paid DC in the country.