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Nick Saban adds ex-Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone to Alabama coaching staff

Alabama has officially added another former NFL head coach to its coaching staff.

The university announced that Doug Marrone, most recently the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has joined Nick Saban’s staff as the offensive line coach. In Tuscaloosa, Marrone will coach alongside his close friend Bill O’Brien, the former Houston Texans head coach who will serve as Alabama’s offensive coordinator.

Marrone was the head coach of the Jaguars for four seasons and most notably led the franchise to an AFC South title and AFC championship game appearance in 2017. Marrone also coached the Buffalo Bills in 2013 and 2014. Overall, he has a 38-60 record as an NFL head coach.

Before he became the coach of the Bills, Marrone had a four-year run as the head coach at Syracuse, so he is familiar with the college game. He had a 25-25 record with two bowl appearances with the Orange. He also had stints as an assistant at Northeastern, Georgia Tech, Georgia and Tennessee, as well as with the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. O’Brien and Marrone spent five years coaching together at Georgia Tech.

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“We are extremely fortunate to be able to add Doug Marrone to our staff,” Saban said. “He knows our new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien well and will do a fantastic job with our offensive line. He has extensive experience as not only an offensive line coach, but also as a head coach at Syracuse and in the NFL with Buffalo and Jacksonville. Doug has an excellent track record for recruiting and developing players. I’m excited about his ability to help our players reach their full potential.”

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone walks the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone walks the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

Alabama lost offensive staffers to Texas

Marrone is replacing Kyle Flood, who left Alabama to join Steve Sarkisian’s staff at Texas. UT hired Sarkisian after his successful run as Alabama’s offensive coordinator. O’Brien will take over Sarkisian’s duties.

“I have always admired the programs Coach Saban has built, and I am excited to have the opportunity to join his staff here at Alabama,” Marrone said. “Coach’s program is the model of consistency, and I am looking forward to helping continue that tradition of success with an exceptional group of players and coaches.”

Alabama is coming off an undefeated season that was capped off by a national championship game victory over Ohio State on Jan. 11. With the win, Alabama finished the year with a 13-0 record.

The Crimson Tide is set to replace Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith. Two other top-five Heisman finishers, quarterback Mac Jones and running back Najee Harris, are also moving on to the NFL. Marrone’s offensive line loses three starters from the 2020 title team.

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