Offensive coordinator hot board

Alabama is searching for another offensive coordinator. Steve Sarkisian is leaving Tuscaloosa for the Atlanta Falcons, meaning Nick Saban will have to fill the position Sarkisian accepted when Lane Kiffin left to become head coach at FAU. Here are a handful of early candidates, listed alphabetically.

Current position: None

Former positions:

2015-16 – Houston Texans offensive coordinator

2014 – Houston Texans quarterbacks coach

2012-13 – New England Patriots tight ends coach

2011 – New England Patriots offensive assistant

2009-10 – Central Florida running backs coach

2005-08 – Central Florida quarterbacks coach

2004 – Central Florida graduate assistant

Saban doesn't have any direct ties to Godsey, but that's never stopped him from hiring an assistant or coordinator before. Saban can check with Bill Belichick and offensive line coach Brent Key if he needs to do some research on Godsey. He hasn't coached at the major college level and hasn't been in college at all since 2010 but his NFL experience is appealing in his own way.

Current position: None

Former positions:

2013-16 – Oregon head coach

2009-12 – Oregon quarterbacks, offensive coordinator

2006-08 – Colorado quarterbacks, offensive coordinator

2003-05 – Arizona State quarterbacks coach, passing game coordinator

2001-02 – Arizona State quarterbacks coach

1998-00 – Boise State quarterbacks coach

1997 – Oregon graduate assistant

1996 – Southern Oregon running backs coach

His four years leading Oregon started strong and went south just as quickly. Helfrich doesn't have ties to Saban, has never worked in the region and has run a different offense than what Alabama has operated in recent years. But he's considered a talented playcaller and developer of quarterbacks. Both of those skills would be attractive given Alabama's opening.

Current position: None

Former positions:

2016 – San Francisco 49ers head coach

2013-15 – Philadelphia Eagles head coach

2009-12 – Oregon head coach

2007-08 – Oregon offensive coordinator

1999-06 – New Hampshire offensive coordinator

1997-98 – New Hampshire offensive line coach

1994-96 – New Hampshire running backs coach

1993 – Johns Hopkins defensive coordinator

1992 – New Hampshire running backs coach

1991 – Outside linebackers and safeties coach

1990 – Columbia defensive backs and special teams coach

1988-89 – Nevada conditioning coach

He's the biggest name on the list, and maybe the biggest name available in the coaching ranks at the moment. But Kelly isn't without baggage. His short stint with the 49ers was a mess and he flamed out in Philadelphia. Saban isn't averse to hiring coaches who draw extra attention. Kelly has visited Tuscaloosa in the past and has a prior relationship with Saban.

Current position: Alabama offensive assistant

Former positions:

2016 - Alabama offensive analyst

2012-15 – Maryland quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator (interim head coach in 2015)

2009-11 – New Mexico head coach

2006-08 – Illinois quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator

2005 – Illinois tight ends, offensive coordinator

2003-04 – Florida running backs, recruiting coordinator

1998-02 - Maryland running backs coach, recruiting coordinator

1997 – Maryland running backs coach

1996 – Army wide receivers and tight ends coach

1995 – Pacific outside linebackers coach

1994 – U.S. Naval Prep School defensive line coach and defensive coordinator

1993 – U.S. Naval Prep School defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator

1992 – Towson State defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator

Locksley may the most logical hire and would provide continuity after losing two straight offensive coordinators. He’s been a head coach and also has eight years of experience as an offensive coordinator. He’s coached several positions on offense at major conference schools. His time already spent at Alabama would help him step in quickly both as a coordinator and as a recruiter for the Crimson Tide.

Current position: CBS Sports analyst

Former positions:

2008-11 – UCLA head coach

2007 – Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator

2005-06 – Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach

1999-02 – Washington head coach

1995-98 – Colorado head coach

1994 – Colorado offensive coordinator

1990-93 – UCLA wide receivers coach

1988-89 – UCLA quarterbacks coach

1986 – UCLA graduate assistant

It's been a few years since Neuheisel was in a coaching booth instead of a broadcast booth, but he could be a possibility. He's long expressed admiration for Alabama and Saban's program and has the most experience of any name on this list. He'd be a bit unconventional as a hire but don't rule him out immediately.