Report: Former Crimson Tide OC Nick Sheridan to Remain at Alabama

Report: Former Crimson Tide Offensive Coordinator Nick Sheridan to Remain at Alabama

The University of Alabama’s football program, known for its success under head coach Nick Saban, has experienced an off-season filled with transition and change. One key figure in this transformation is Nick Sheridan, who was previously the offensive coordinator (OC) for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Despite the conclusion of the 2024 season and the shifting dynamics surrounding the Alabama coaching staff, reports indicate that Sheridan is set to remain with the team in a new, albeit undefined, capacity.

Background of Nick Sheridan’s Role with Alabama

Nick Sheridan initially joined Alabama’s staff as the offensive coordinator in the spring of 2023, replacing Bill O’Brien. His hiring came at a time when the Crimson Tide were transitioning from one of the most prolific offenses in college football to a more balanced, ground-heavy attack. Sheridan had previously served as a quarterback coach and offensive coordinator in various capacities, most notably at the University of Indiana, where he helped develop some of the Hoosiers’ best offensive units.

Sheridan’s reputation as a coach who could adapt his schemes to his personnel was a major selling point for Saban and the Alabama program. In 2023, he inherited a team with a new quarterback in Jalen Milroe, who struggled to find consistency in his passing game but excelled in running the ball. Sheridan worked tirelessly to craft an offense that would help Milroe capitalize on his strengths while attempting to unlock the potential of Alabama’s deep group of playmakers, including wide receivers Jermaine Burton and Ja’Corey Brooks, as well as running backs like Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams.

In 2023, Alabama’s offense showed flashes of brilliance but also had its fair share of inconsistency, particularly in the passing game. Despite the challenges, the team ended up finishing with a 12-2 record, which included a victory in the Sugar Bowl. The offense finished the season ranked 18th in total yards per game and 12th in points per game, but fans and pundits alike often questioned the unit’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations, especially in crucial games such as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.

Sheridan’s Early Challenges and Criticism

One of the early criticisms of Sheridan’s tenure as offensive coordinator at Alabama was the inconsistency of the offense. The team struggled at times to balance its attack between the passing and running game, and this was most apparent in Alabama’s losses to top-tier opponents. The loss to Texas in the regular season was particularly troubling, as the Crimson Tide’s offense couldn’t generate enough points to keep pace with the Longhorns’ explosive attack.

Although Sheridan was never the primary figure blamed for these issues, his ability to orchestrate an offense that could keep pace with elite defenses was put into question. Alabama’s inability to stretch the field consistently through the air led to frustration among fans who were accustomed to the dominant, high-powered offenses of the past, led by the likes of Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin. Alabama’s offensive struggles culminated in the team’s inability to make the College Football Playoff, despite having a talented roster on both sides of the ball.

This was a significant disappointment for a program that had grown accustomed to competing for national championships year in and year out. While Alabama’s defense continued to play at an elite level under defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, the offense’s struggles weighed heavily on the program’s overall performance and future prospects.

The 2024 Season and the Shift in Offensive Strategy

In 2024, there was hope that Alabama’s offense would take a step forward with more development from Milroe and a better understanding of Sheridan’s system. Milroe, who had shown improvement in his sophomore season, seemed poised for a breakout year as the leader of the offense. Sheridan’s philosophy continued to focus on balancing the run and pass, but the challenge remained to find the right balance between these elements.

By midseason, the Alabama offense had shown noticeable improvement. Milroe appeared more confident in the pocket and made better decisions with the football. The running game continued to be a major strength of the team, but Sheridan also found ways to integrate more vertical passing concepts that helped the offense stretch the field.

Alabama’s offensive line, which had been a point of contention in previous years, also seemed to gel in 2024. This allowed the Crimson Tide to establish a more efficient run game while giving Milroe more time to make plays downfield. With this improved offensive line play, Alabama’s offense became more diverse and dangerous, allowing the team to remain competitive against the top teams in the SEC and across the nation.

Despite these positive strides, Alabama still faced challenges throughout the season. The Crimson Tide continued to struggle with explosive, high-powered offenses and faced some setbacks against teams like Georgia and LSU. In each of those games, Alabama’s offense had trouble sustaining drives and keeping up with the scoring pace of their opponents. In the SEC Championship Game, the offense was held to just 13 points against Georgia’s dominant defense, which proved to be the tipping point for Alabama’s season.

Ultimately, Alabama finished the 2024 season with an 11-3 record and a second-place finish in the SEC. Though the team showed signs of progress, it was clear that the offense was still a work in progress under Sheridan’s guidance.

Sheridan’s Future at Alabama

Despite the mixed results of the 2024 season, the news that Nick Sheridan will remain at Alabama signals that head coach Nick Saban is not ready to part ways with the offensive coordinator. While it’s unclear exactly what role Sheridan will play moving forward, reports suggest that he will stay with the program in some capacity, likely with an adjusted role in the coaching staff. This decision is rooted in a few key factors.

First, Saban has historically been patient with his assistants and gives them time to develop within the system, especially when it comes to offensive coordinators. Since taking over as Alabama’s head coach in 2007, Saban has worked with a number of offensive coordinators, from Jim McElwain to Lane Kiffin, and has typically allowed his coordinators to evolve their systems over time. Given the talent at Alabama and the resources available to the coaching staff, Saban is likely confident that Sheridan can continue to refine his offensive philosophy and develop the players under his tutelage.

Secondly, there is the matter of continuity. While Alabama’s offense may have faced challenges in 2024, the program is still highly regarded in recruiting circles, and the Crimson Tide remain a powerhouse in college football. Maintaining a sense of stability within the coaching staff, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, is crucial to preserving that level of excellence. Saban is likely committed to giving Sheridan another opportunity to build an offense that can compete for national championships once again.

Another contributing factor to Sheridan’s retention could be his relationship with the players, particularly the quarterbacks. Jalen Milroe, who has shown growth under Sheridan’s tutelage, will likely return for his final season in 2025. Maintaining consistency in the coaching staff could prove beneficial for Milroe’s continued development and for the overall cohesion of the offense. Stability at the coordinator position would also allow Alabama to recruit and develop the next generation of quarterbacks with a clear offensive vision in place.

Conclusion: The Future of Alabama’s Offense Under Nick Sheridan

As of February 2025, Nick Sheridan remains a key figure in the Alabama football program. While his tenure as offensive coordinator has faced criticism and challenges, there is no question that he has the opportunity to grow and evolve in his role. With an improved offensive line, the return of a more seasoned quarterback in Milroe, and an influx of talent from recruiting, the Alabama offense may be on the verge of making significant strides in the upcoming season.

The decision to keep Sheridan as part of the program underscores the trust that Nick Saban has in his assistant coaches and his belief that Alabama can return to the top of college football, both defensively and offensively. As the Crimson Tide continue to navigate the changing landscape of college football, including the evolving transfer portal and NIL landscape, having experienced coaches who are capable of adapting and evolving their systems will be key to ensuring Alabama remains a dominant force in the sport.

While questions will continue to surround the offense and its ability to compete with the elite teams in college football, one thing is certain: Alabama is committed to the long-term development of its players and staff, and Nick Sheridan will play a significant role in shaping the future of the program. Whether he remains in the offensive coordinator role or transitions to a different position within the staff, it is clear that the journey for Sheridan and the Crimson Tide is far from over.

As Alabama looks ahead to the 2025 season, the goal remains the same: to return to the College Football Playoff, contend for national championships, and restore the Crimson Tide to its rightful place at the top of the college football hierarchy. Nick Sheridan will be a part of that effort, and it will be interesting to see how he and the program evolve together in the coming years.