Nick Saban’s recap of Alabama’s first scrimmage of the spring Friday featured his normal refrain: “We’re not satisfied with where we are, but we’re not displeased with the progress that we’re making.”

For the Tide’s offense specifically, it was clear Saban was quite pleased.

The debut of new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees inside Bryant-Denny Stadium was met with a positive review from Saban, who also praised the performance of both quarterbacks competing for the starting job, Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson.

“Offensively, I thought we were pretty consistent in terms of what we did,” Saban said of the scrimmage, which was closed to the public and reporters. “We moved the ball effectively and with balance, run and pass. Both quarterbacks played equally well. Both of them got opportunities, and both of them, I thought, did a nice job out there managing the game.”

Asked to evaluate Rees, the former Notre Dame quarterback and offensive coordinator replacing Bill O’Brien, Saban did not hesitate about his new play caller.

“Offense was great today,” Saban said. “Tommy does a great job with the players. Players like him. He’s taken our system and pretty much used our system that we use, added some things to it.”

Saban’s praise continued with the offensive line, which is expected to feature two new starters after the departures of Tyler Steen. For now, Elijah Pritchett has manned the left tackle spot with last season’s backup center Darrian Dalcourt seeing time at left guard.

“I think the offensive line has done a good job,” Saban said. “We’ve got a few more multiples in terms of how we can run the ball. Does a really good job with formations and how to use formations to create advantages for us on offense. I’m really pleased with what we’ve been able to do on that side of the ball and how we’ve developed.”

At running back, Alabama returns Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams and Jam Miller. It has added one freshman, Justice Haynes, and will add another this summer in Richard Young.

“All guys have done well,” Saban said of Alabama’s running backs. “All four guys have had really, really good springs. They’re all very productive players. All those guys can contribute to the team in some ways. They’re doing really, really well. As long as we can stay healthy at that position, I don’t think that’s an issue on our team.”

Friday’s scrimmage included big plays from its top two returning wide receivers, Ja’Corey Brooks and Jermaine Burton. Saban also offered praise for junior college transfer Malik Benson and sophomore Isaiah Bond.

“Benson’s had a really, really good spring and is capable of stretching the field and making big plays. Good all-around player. He certainly is going to help us,” Saban said. “Isaiah Bond has had a really good spring and has done a really good job. So receiver corps has developed really nicely. Consistency in performance is what we need to continue to work on.”

The flip side of the offense’s success in the scrimmage was the defense allowing it. Saban noted how some of that group’s most experienced players were not on the field Friday, including injured outside linebackers Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell, injured inside linebacker Deontae Lawson, and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, who had family circumstances keeping him out of the scrimmage.

“Defensively, we gave up probably too many explosive plays, need to improve on tackling,” he said. “We didn’t really do a very good job of getting turnovers, which has been a big emphasis for us this year.”

Mike Rodak is an Alabama beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.