Nick Saban reacted on Wednesday to the resignation of assistant coach Jay Graham, explaining how they will adjust.
Graham, the coach of special and tough teams, resigned after two spring training sessions to “seek professional help” with his mental health. A recent hire, Graham explained his decision on social media and Saban referred to this by speaking a few hours later at a previously scheduled post-training press conference.
“Jay made the decision to do what he did and we are going to support him in every way we can,” Saban said in his opening speech. “We certainly wish him and his family the best for what they do.”
Graham was hired to replace Jeff Banks, who left to work on Steve Sarkisian’s team in Texas.
The plan to fill Graham’s role is to “improvise and adjust,” said Saban. They elevated coach Todd Watson’s special assistant to Graham’s place to allow him to train players directly on the field.
“We will start a search and see if we can find the best coach,” said Saban. “There is no timetable for doing this.”
Watson, who has spent the past three years in Tennessee in off-field jobs, was previously the head coach of Foley High School, where he coached future Alabama stars, including Julio Jones and DJ Fluker.
Several of the rigid tips he will be training this spring are damaged. Freshman Robby Ouzts suffered a hamstring sprain, while Major Tennison was injured and suffered limitations in the first three spring training sessions. Converted linebacker Cameron Latu “has done a very good job so far,” said Saban, along with the return of incumbent Jahleel Billingsley.
Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or in the Facebook.