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Alabama’s Kiffin facing plenty of challenges in second year

Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin talks with the media before the Crimson Tide's Fan Day practice Sunday in Tuscaloosa. The former Tennessee Volunteers head coach is entering his second season with Alabama, who won the Southeastern Conference title in 2014.
Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin talks with the media before the Crimson Tide's Fan Day practice Sunday in Tuscaloosa. The former Tennessee Volunteers head coach is entering his second season with Alabama, who won the Southeastern Conference title in 2014. Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin talks with the media before the Crimson Tide's Fan Day practice Sunday in Tuscaloosa. The former Tennessee Volunteers head coach is entering his second season with Alabama, who won the Southeastern Conference title in 2014.

By David Paschall 4 min read

Lane Kiffin oversaw record-setting productivity during his first season as Alabama’s offensive coordinator.

He transformed quarterback Blake Sims from a former tailback into the Southeastern Conference leader in passing efficiency. He helped receiver Amari Cooper earn one of three coveted spots at the Heisman Trophy ceremony, and he adjusted the Crimson Tide’s deliberate offense to a much quicker tempo.

Last season included an SEC championship and a school-record 484.5 yards per game, but Kiffin said Sunday that it was never about personal vindication as a play-caller.

“I don’t really think of it that way,” Kiffin said in a news conference. “I think for the most part that we’ve had pretty good success wherever we’ve been as far as moving the ball and getting the ball to our playmakers. It was fun last year.

“It was really fun to see Blake’s story unfold, and it was fun to see Amari, because of how hard he worked.”