Alabama search: One in, one out

TUSCALOOSA | It was one man in, one man out Friday as the University of Alabama's search for a new offensive line coach continued.

South Carolina assistant coach Shawn Elliott, who interviewed for the position, said he would be staying with the Gamecocks. It is unclear whether Elliott was offered the job.

A new name in the search surfaced in the form of Miami Hurricanes assistant Mario Cristobal, however. Cristobal was fired as Florida International's head coach in December, but was hired as the tight ends coach at Miami just weeks later. The Miami Herald reported Friday that Cristobal has been contacted about the Alabama opening.

Cristobal's FIU team visited Tuscaloosa in 2009 in a 40-14 loss.

Elliott confirmed his intention to stay at South Carolina through a school release.

"It was a great honor to be considered for a coaching position at the University of Alabama, but I feel it's in the best interest of me and my family to remain at South Carolina," Elliott said. "We've had a lot of success here over the past three years and I'm committed to being part of that continued success for many years. I'm proud to be a Gamecock."

Tidesports.com learned that UCF offensive line coach and assistant head coach Brent Key interviewed for the Alabama offensive line position earlier this week.

UA coach Nick Saban is seeking a replacement for two-year offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who left the Crimson Tide for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month. Stoutland's position is the only current vacancy on the UA staff.

Thursday, Saban announced the hirings of Kerry Stephenson and Kevin Steele as Director of Player Development and Director of Player Personnel, respectively.

Reach Chase Goodbread at chase@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0196.