Brian Kelly continued to publically praise Alabama’s offense and defense in the leadup to the Week 10 primetime game between his Tigers and Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide. Both LSU and Alabama are coming off bye weeks, giving the media ample time to inquire about every storyline.

On Monday, Kelly was asked about Tommy Rees — his former quarterback and longtime coach at Notre Dame and first-year UA offensive coordinator.

“We’ve got a deep connection relative to a player-coach relationship and respect for him as a coach and what he’s done in this profession at an early age. He’s somebody I have a lot of respect for in what he’s done at Notre Dame,” said Kelly, “then, in a very short time, taking an offense and transforming it quickly during the season. He’s a competitor. He always was as a player. You can see that as a coordinator.

“They’re going to, more than anything else, utilize their personnel. He’ll mold the offense to fit the personnel. that’s what smart coaches do and he’s an outstanding football coach.”

Rees was promoted to Kelly’s offensive coordinator with the Fighting Irish in 2020 and remained at Notre Dame when Kelly left for the LSU job. Saban would eventually convince Rees to join an SEC program this past offseason, replacing Bill O’Brien.

Alabama is currently ranked 78th in total offense, but since Milroe regained the starting job in Week 4 against Ole Miss, the Tide hasn’t produced fewer than 24 points a game. Milroe’s skills as a runner have been used at times, but Rees has repeatedly schemed favorable matchups downfield for Milroe to take advantage. The passing attack has been consistent in league play while Milroe has gotten more comfortable.

During SEC media days, Kelly joked that he hoped Rees had “great success every game” except Nov. 4 against LSU. Saban declined to “publically comment” on Rees or defensive coordinator Kevin Steele halfway through the season.

“We’re happy with the coaches we have,” Saban said on Oct. 9. “We’re always trying to get better. We’re all working hard together to try to get better, try to figure out what’s the best solution to help our team grow and develop, whether it’s style of play, doing more things they’re capable of doing, trying to minimize the negative plays. I’m pleased with the effort everyone is giving in trying to give input to fix those things. Everybody is responsible for a better way. If we have deficiencies as a team, that’s kind of on me.”

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