Former Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain is coming back to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The second-year Colorado State head coach leads the Rams against the top-ranked Crimson Tide Saturday night. McElwain calls it a visit to college football's "Mecca" for his team.

McElwain was the Tide's offensive coordinator from 2008-11 and part of two national championship teams under coach Nick Saban.

He also was the first offensive coordinator for Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron.

McElwain called it "fascinating" to work under Saban, winner of three of the last four national titles.

He says his former boss "is always moving for what they can do better."

Saban, meanwhile, says he has "as much respect for Jim McElwain as a coach as anybody that's ever worked for me."

 

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