Nick Sheridan got a promotion nearly immediately after arriving in Tuscaloosa to join Kalen DeBoer’s new Alabama football staff. After reportedly coming to UA as tight ends coach, Sheridan became the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, with Ryan Grubb leaving for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

The quarterback room Sheridan inherited includes Jalen Milroe, the incumbent starter. Milroe had a slow start to the 2023 campaign, but blossomed as it went along to earn Heisman Trophy votes.

“I think he’s an extremely talented and hard-working person,” Sheridan said of Milroe during a Wednesday appearance on The Next Round Live internet show. “I think everybody knows about the explosiveness as a runner but I also think he’s extremely explosive as a passer too. He’s got a very strong arm.”

Milroe finished the 2023 season with 2,834 yards passing, along with 23 touchdowns through the year. He also rushed for 531 yards and another 12 scores.

He was named one of the Crimson Tide’s permanent captains for last season, which ended in the College Football Playoff semifinals against Michigan after UA beat Georgia for an SEC title.

“He’s an extremely talented player,” Sheridan said. “I don’t think there’s any doubt about it. He’s got a great attitude and a work ethic that’s really unmatched.”

Backups Ty Simpson and Dylan Lonergan are also returning for the 2024 season. They’ll be joined by redshirt freshman Austin Mack, who followed DeBoer and company from Washington.

DeBoer replacing Nick Saban as head coach could be good news for the quarterbacks, given his success in the past with Michael Penix Jr., a Heisman finalist for the Huskies next season.

“It’s just a really quality room with great people,” Sheridan said. “I think that’s what always lends itself to really good play, it starts with who the person is and it’s a room full of really great kids that come from great families that are very talented.”