Alabama offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Lane Kiffin speaks to the media before practice Tuscaloosa, Ala., in this file photo.Alabama first-year offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin will be on display a lot more than originally thought.
Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban announced after Wednesday's practice that Kiffin would work from the field this season and not in the booth. Former Alabama offensive coordinators Greg McElwain and Doug Nussmeier each coached from the booth.
"I always let the coordinators be where they want to be," Saban said, "but in this case, even though he feels more comfortable being in the press box, I think it's important he's on the field where he has the greatest impact on the players."
Alabama opens its 2014 season Saturday against West Virginia inside the Georgia Dome. Saban and Kiffin has overseen a quarterback competition this month between Blake Sims and Jacob Coker, and a starter has not been announced.
Kiffin, the former head coach of Tennessee, returns to Knoxville on Oct. 25.
"I've never made the offensive coordinator come down, but we're going to do that this year," Saban said.
Saban also announced Wednesday that senior linebacker Trey DePriest would miss Saturday's opener due to a minor NCAA infraction.
"He will be available to play next week against Florida Atlantic," Saban said. "This is a one-game deal."
DePriest started all 13 games last season, recording 65 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.