The University of Alabama has announced that offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin will return to his position for the 2015 season.
Kiffin, a finalist for the 2014 Broyles Award recognizing the top assistant in college football, had been rumored to be a front-runner for the San Francisco 49ers' vacant offensive coordinator's position.
"I made a comment at the Sugar Bowl that I would be back this fall at Alabama and that is definitely the plan," said Kiffin in a statement released Saturday. "This time of year, there are lots of things out there regarding other coaching opportunities, but I want to reaffirm my commitment to the University of Alabama, Coach (Nick) Saban, and our team."
Kiffin, who had a 20-game stint as the Oakland Raiders' head coach from 2007-08, directed a Crimson Tide offense that established school season records for total yards and passing years while averaging 36.9 points per game this past season. Additionally, wide receiver Amari Cooper finished third in balloting for the Heisman Trophy after amassing 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns on 124 catches.
"We've very pleased and happy that Lane is going to be staying here at the University of Alabama with us. He's done a fabulous job and is one of the finest offensive coaches in the country," said Saban. "He is going to have plenty of opportunities in the future and we want to continue to help him develop as a coach so when he leaves here, he'll be in a very good situation. Our offense was extremely productive last season and we look forward to building on some of the good things we did on that side of the ball with this year's team."
Alabama won the 2014 SEC Championship Game and earned the top seed in the inaugural four-team College Football Playoff, but was handed a 42-35 loss by eventual national champion Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl semifinal.
[SportsNetwork.com]
