I think it’s fair to say that we saw the definite impact of coaching in 2022. The problem however, was that we did not necessarily see improvements manifest themselves more at the coordinator spots…or on the scoreboard. The Crimson Tide, despite being a more fundamentally sound team by and large, was not as efficient a team as it was in 2021, and had gaffes in fundamental strategy that cost games and ultimately a chance at a playoff berth.
Today, we’re handing out the final grades for the work of the offensive coaching staff. You can see unit-by-unit specific breakdowns below as well.
The offensive line improved tremendously in Eric Wolford’s first year. He came to Tuscaloosa with a mercenary reputation as a quick-rehab specialist that focused on building tougher lines with a propensity for eliminating negative plays. The Tide did not become a Joe Moore award finalist or anything, but it rose from among the worst in its recent history to become mostly-solid across the board, and it actually had an identity. The two biggest issues for Alabama offensive line — penalties, inability to control the interior — made it painfully, and glaringly clear what the actual core problem is: Alabama simply lacks elite talent on the inside and mindful disciplined players. Too many busts in evaluation, too many busts in personnel. This isn’t an issue remedied overnight either. But the fact that we can point to exactly the problem and know who was committing miscues and why tells you that everyone else was doing their job and it showed. Wolford did a great job given the hand he was dealt. This simply is not a good group that he coached to their maximum potential. Could not be more pleased with this one. You can’t make Emil want to play smart, and no one behind him was capable of it.
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