During Nick Saban’s first seven seasons of Alabama football, the offensive coordinator position stayed rather steady. Major Applewhite made a quick exit after his first season, but Jim McElwain and Doug Nussmeier served a total of six seasons in the position.
Lane Kiffin was brought in to take over in 2014. One national championship, three seasons, and a lot of controversy later, Kiffin was “dismissed” from his position. Steve Sarkisian, another former USC head coach, was then promoted to offensive coordinator. One game later, Sark was also “dismissed”.
Coach Saban decided to take a different approach on his next hiring.