Report: DeBoer, Norvell, Rees prominent candidates for Alabama opening

It looks like Alabama is already trimming down its list of candidates who could replace Nick Saban.

Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer, Florida State sideline boss Mike Norvell, and Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees are the most prominent possibilities for the Crimson Tide, reports ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.

DeBoer is "heavily in the mix," according to Rittenberg.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning was also a name that was immediately linked to the Alabama opening after Saban retired on Wednesday after 17 years with the school. However, Lanning said Thursday he plans to stay with the Ducks.

DeBoer was named Coach of the Year after helping the Huskies claim the Pac-12 title and reach the College Football Playoff National Championship. Washington ultimately fell short against Michigan in the title matchup.

Norvell is coming off his best season with the Seminoles, who won the ACC and headed into their bowl game with a 13-0 record. Florida State became the first-ever undefeated Power 5 conference champion not to be selected for the College Football Playoff. The team played without its main players and lost to Georgia 63-3 in the Orange Bowl.

Rees joined Alabama during the 2023 offseason after spending several years at Notre Dame. Under the 31-year-old's watch, the Crimson Tide averaged 34 points per game this past season. Alabama won the SEC over Georgia but lost to Michigan in the Rose Bowl.