Jay Graham Expected to Part Ways with Alabama
Alabama is expected to part ways with first-year special teams coach Jay Graham by the end of the week, according to The Athletic. Nick Saban hired Graham away from Tennessee just two months ago, but now it seems his time in Tuscaloosa has come to an end.
Graham replaced Jeff Banks after he left to join Steve Sarkisian at Texas. The university has not released details or commented on the situation at this time.
Saban spoke highly of Graham's hiring a couple of months ago. In a statement on The Athletic (subscription required), Saban bragged about his ability to develop young men.
“We are pleased to be able to add Jay Graham to our staff,” Saban said. “Jay is well respected across the country for his knowledge of the game and his ability to recruit. He has experience at numerous schools across the SEC footprint with a proven track record for his ability to teach the game and develop young men both on the field and in life.”
For the past few years, Alabama has become no stranger to the coaching turnover. After the national championship, former offensive coordinator Sarkisian left for Texas with special teams coach Jeff Banks, offensive line coach Kyle Flood, running backs coach Charles Huff and secondary coach Karl Scott.
Graham has made several stops in the SEC including, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Tennessee. During his time at A&M (2018-2019), Graham served a six month show cause after recruiting violations for impermissible contact with a recruit. After the scandal at Tennessee, Graham was one of few assistants not fired by the university, but left on his own for Alabama.
It is not clear who will take over Graham's duties for the remainder of spring practice.