Sources: Alabama Focusing on Three Front-Runners for Head Coaching Job

Alabama’s coaching search is currently focused around three candidates, sources tell Sports Illustrated: Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell and Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.

DeBoer has had a contract extension from Washington on his desk for over a month, but it was not deemed in his best interest to sign it as the Huskies went from being a title contender to actually playing in the national championship game, giving him more leverage in a re-up negotiation with the school. Should DeBoer leave UW, the main question would then be if Huskies offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb would come to Bama with him (coincidentally, an OC job he turned down under Saban last summer) or if he would be in line to replace DeBoer as head coach in Seattle.

DeBoer has been weighing an extension offer from Washington after making the national championship game in his second year with the Huskies.

Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports