After two years serving as the Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator, Jeff Lebby was called up to be the head coach at Mississippi State. Not only will 2024 mark his first season as a head coach at any level, but it’s also the first time Lebby’s coached in the SEC. Yet, at conference Media Days, Alabama legend Nick Saban said 2023 could’ve held that honor.
Former Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban Tried To Hire Jeff Lebby in 2023
Prior to Lebby taking the podium, Saban said, “We tried to get him to leave Oklahoma to come to Alabama.” That was before the 2023 season, when Alabama ultimately tabbed former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees as their next OC.
When asked about the comment, Lebby took a moment to thank one of the greatest collegiate coaches of all time.
“Just an honor to have conversations with him as we went through some things. Could not be more thankful for the opportunity, and at the time, it was something where I felt like I needed to be exactly where my feet were, and he did pretty good. He did pretty good.”
While the Crimson Tide offense faltered at times with first-year starter Jalen Milroe under center, the unit found its groove, winning the SEC Championship and playing in the Rose Bowl. When Saban retired and Kalen DeBoer was hired in his place, Rees took his talents to the NFL, becoming the Cleveland Browns tight ends coach.
After serving as a student assistant at Oklahoma and a quick stop at Victoria Memorial High School in Texas, Lebby worked under Art Briles at Baylor from 2008-16. But his father-in-law wasn’t the only offensive mastermind he’d cut his teeth with.
Lebby coached alongside Josh Heupel at UCF (2018-19) and Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss (2020-21). And since becoming an OC in 2019, Lebby’s offenses have scored 50+ points 14 times, the most of any active FBS play-caller.
KEEP READING: 3 Things We Learned From Jeff Lebby At SEC Media Days
And just last season, the Sooners ranked fourth nationally in points (41.7) and third in yards per game (507). Could Alabama have gone even further if Lebby was calling the shots? We’ll never know, but he’ll have his work cut out for him at Mississippi State, where the offense returns zero starters.
However, Lebby attacked the transfer portal for talent, bringing in a new QB1 (Baylor’s Blake Shapen), RB1 (Utah State’s Davon Booth), and WR1 (UTEP’s Kelly Akharaiyi) to run his prolific scheme.
With a fresh start and a revamped roster, Lebby aims to transform Mississippi State’s offense into one of the most dynamic in the SEC, proving that Saban’s confidence was well-placed.
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