Back to the Alabama Crimson Tide Newsfeed

Saban talks former assistant Billy Napier; says UA needs to improve on blocking

It is not as big as Bill Belichick’s or Bill Parcells’ coaching tree; however, Nick Saban’s influence on college football has been well documented.

Throughout his coaching career, including 12 years at Alabama, Saban has mentored plenty of young minds that have become big names elsewhere. After having battling against one of those names last week, the six-time national champion faces another former employee this weekend.

Billy Napier, 39, was an integral part of Crimson Tide football.

He served as an offensive analyst during the program’s run to a BCS national championship in 2011, while helping standouts like Amari Cooper, DeAndrew White, Christion Jones, Kevin Norwood and Calvin Ridley all have success as receivers from 2013 to 2016.