Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama is preparing for its Iron Bowl game against Auburn today. The Crimson Tide is 9-2 in the season and has a 79.4% chance of making the College Football Playoff this season, according to the PFSN CFB Playoff Meter.
Amid the rising pressure of the playoff race, Alabama saw one of its assistant coaches depart for the Oregon State head coaching role on Friday.
Ex-Alabama WR Steps Forward for Coaching Role After Key Coach’s Departure to Oregon State
Alabama wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard is expected to take over as Oregon State’s next head coach, leaving the Crimson Tide anticipating the need for a new receivers coach for next season.
Meanwhile, former Alabama wideout Marquis Maze believes it’s time for some homegrown talent to return to Tuscaloosa to lead the Crimson Tide’s receiver room.
“Ok @AlabamaFTBL it’s time to hire me & Julio (Jones) him as the head Wr coach and me as the assistant wr coach. Draw up the contract and let’s get the ball rolling. Roll Tide,” Maze tweeted.
Maze played for Alabama from 2008-2011, and his shout-out to Jones is notable since the pair once formed a dominant receiving duo. He earned co-MVP honors and was recognized as the team’s fastest player and the No. 2 receiver behind Jones during the 2009 season. Maze recorded a career-best 96 receiving yards on five catches in the 2009 SEC Championship Game.
When Jones departed in 2011, Maze stepped into a starting role. That year, he became Alabama’s top receiver as well as its primary punt and kickoff returner. He later signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and now works as a football coach and trainer.
As for Shephard, he is in his second season at Alabama, and also used to serve not only as the receivers coach but also as assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator. He will be officially introduced as Oregon State’s head coach during Tuesday’s press conference.
“I’m honored to lead the Oregon State University football program and to join a community that cares so deeply about its student-athletes,” Shephard said. “We will build a culture rooted in toughness, integrity, and relentless effort, and I’m excited to get to work with our players, staff, and supporters to write the next great chapter of Beaver football.”
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Shephard’s contract with Oregon State spans five years. OSU currently sits at 2-9 overall and 1-10 in Pac-12 play. The Beavers are coming off a 31-14 loss against Tulsa on Nov. 15.