Tommy Rees has made a “huge difference” in his first year calling plays for Alabama’s offense, Nick Saban said on Monday. Saban publically acknowledged the success of his offensive coordinator when asked about Rees being named a semifinalist for The Broyles Award.

“Well, obviously, we nominated him, so we think he’s done a pretty good job,” Saban said with a smile I think he’s done a great job of transforming our offense and players and how they’ve improved. I think that’s made a huge difference in the confidence of our team offensively, as well as our team in general. He’s done an outstanding job.”

Overall, Rees’ unit ranks seventh in the SEC (405.3 yards per game). The Tide has attacked teams in a variety of ways, including Milroe’s deep ball and his ability to run it. UA has also found offensive line stability. No. 8 Alabama (10-1, 7-0 Southeastern Conference) is averaging 47.8 points per game over the last month.

Before the Tide played LSU, Rees’ old coach Brian Kelly similarly applauded the work Rees had done in developing the Tide’s offense to fit UA’s personnel. Milroe has seemingly had more designed runs following the bye week. Kendrick Law has been used as a receiver and out of the backfield.

“There’s been a system in place here for however-many years, and players here that are familiar with terminology, with what you’re trying to accomplish,” Rees said on Aug. 6, his lone media availability of the season. “To say one guy is going to come in here and change everything would be the wrong way to approach it. I wholeheartedly agree with that. The learning curve is what it is. I don’t find it to be too steep at all. I think when you have a general base knowledge of the game, there’s only so many run plays you can run, only so many pass concepts you can have. It’s just training your brain to switch how you call it.”

According to a USA Today database, Rees is tied with Kevin Steele for the fifth highest-paid coordinator in the country at $1.9 million per year.

Rees would be the fourth Alabama assistant under Nick Savan to win the award, joining Steve Sarkisian in 2020, Mike Locksley in 2018 and Kirby Smart in 2009. Other nominees include Georgia’s offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, LSU’s Mike Denbrock and Washington’s Ryan Grubb.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].