Alabama Promotes Assistant

Alabama defensive coordinator Mike Dubose was appointed head coach of the Crimson Tide on Monday, the fourth man to assume the high-profile position in the post-Bear Bryant era.

Athletic director Bob Bockrath’s announcement ended the search that began Nov. 23, when Gene Stallings said he would retire at season’s end.

The timing is ironic, considering Alabama is just two days removed from one of its worst defensive showings in decades. In a 45-30 loss to Florida on Saturday, Alabama allowed more points than it had in a single game since it lost 48-23 to Ole Miss in 1970, when Bryant was coach.

But the decision appeared to have been made last week and if there were any misgivings about it, Bockrath didn’t let on. “We’ve hired the very best person for this job,” he said.

“It’s proof that dreams do come true,” Dubose said.

Despite the performance against Florida, Dubose’s defense ranked in the top 10 in the country in points allowed, passing yards, rushing yards and total yards allowed.

Dubose’s stock rose as the season progressed and he showed he was capable of replacing Bill Oliver, who left Alabama after last season to take a similar job at Auburn. When Oliver left, Stallings promoted Dubose from defensive line coach.

And when Stallings said he was stepping down, Dubose immediately became the front-runner to become Alabama’s 24th coach.

Bockrath reportedly also considered Colorado coach Rick Neuheisel, Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer and Miami coach Butch Davis.

Alabama’s offensive coordinator, Woody McCorvey, also was interviewed, but Dubose stood out because of his standing as a longtime member of the Alabama “family.”

Dubose invoked memories of Bryant as he spoke.

“As a player and as a coach, I think I’ve learned more about football from Coach Bryant than from anybody else,” Dubose said.

Stallings set for pension

Stallings could qualify for a state pension of $66,000 annually - or one-ninth of what he has been making.

Stallings will step down as head coach after Alabama plays Michigan in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 1. But he will stay on the payroll for two more years as an adviser to complete his contract.