Look: Football World Reacts To Tommy Rees Announcement
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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 01: Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterbacks coach Tommy Rees talks to Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Brandon Wimbush (7) during warm ups prior to game action of the NCAA football game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 1, 2018 at Notre Dame Stadium, in South Bend, Indiana. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the Michigan Wolverines by the score of 24-17. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Tommy Rees could reportedly receive a major coaching opportunity.
According to ESPN's Chris Low, Notre Dame's offensive coordinator is Alabama's "top target" to replace Bill O'Brien in the same role. Rees, who has already talked to head coach Nick Saban, is scheduled to visit the school's campus Thursday.
It's an interesting development for both the Crimson Tide and Fighting Irish. Observers reacted to the potential hiring.
"Huge deal for Rees," Mike McDaniel of Sports Illustrated said.
"Was a candidate for Miami's job last year and potentially one this year," the Sun Sentinel's Adam Lichtenstein noted.
"Nick Saban going from Lane Kiffin, Brian Daboll, and Steve Sarkisian to Bill O’Brien and Tommy Rees is something," The Athletic's Austin Mock wrote.
"Geez...gain a great QB, lose an up and coming OC who is from the Irish family....tough scene for [Notre Dame head coach Marcus] Freeman," SportsGrid's Mike Carver said.
"The way this news is putting so many peoples brains in a pretzel," The Dan Le Batard Show's Jessica Smetana commented.
Notre Dame finished the 2022 season 60th in total offense while scoring 31.8 points per game. The Fighting Irish could improve next season behind transfer quarterback Sam Hartman, who threw 77 touchdowns in his last two seasons at Wake Forest.
Yet Rees might not stay in South Bend to coach the sixth-year senior.
Working as Saban's offensive coordinator is a marquee position that will lead to enhanced scrutiny. Alabama faces pressure to get back to the College Football Playoff following an 11-2 season.
