Alabama confirms hiring of Butch Jones as offensive analyst
Alabama's Nick Saban confirmed Tuesday that former Tennessee head coach Butch Jones has joined his staff as an offensive analyst, according to Matt Zenitz of AL.com.
"He's an intern, an analyst," Saban told reporters at Alabama spring practice, via Charlie Potter of 247 Sports. "I guess we could have several names for it. He can't coach on the field. ... Today was actually the first day he was cleared by the NCAA."
Josh Jobe was at practice but not dressed at. Devonta Smith practiced with the corners. Josh Jacobs wasn’t spotted. pic.twitter.com/h4Al06p1tf
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) March 20, 2018
Jones' addition to the program had been rumored for weeks. He was fired from Tennessee midway through his fifth season, and was often chastised by Volunteers fans for his overwhelming optimism in the darkest of times for the program.
Jones, 50, went 34-27 at Tennessee, losing to Alabama in all five of their meetings.
Alabama has a history of hiring coaches who flamed out elsewhere as analysts and slowly rehabilitating their careers.
In other Crimson Tide news, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa injured the thumb on his throwing hand during practice, and was taken for further evaluation.