What Nick Saban said about potential Alabama football offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien

Alabama football coach Nick Saban was complimentary of Bill O'Brien, reportedly a leading candidate to replace Steve Sarkisian as UA's offensive coordinator, in a media availability leading up to the Bryant Award ceremony on Wednesday.

Saban is one of eight finalists for the award.

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"Based on the body of work up until (becoming GM), I think he's an outstanding coach and a really good person," Saban said, according to Brandon Kyle Scott of SportsRadio 610 in Houston. "He's got a good family and I think he'll do a good job with our players here."

O'Brien was fired by the Houston Texans after an 0-4 start this season. He went 52-48 as the Texans' coach, making the playoffs four times in seven seasons.

"I think he really did a good job in Houston when he was the head coach. I think when he became the GM, things didn't go exactly how he would've like having both roles," Saban said. "I know how difficult it is to do both, probably impossible."

Reach Brett Hudson at 205-722-0196 or bhudson@tuscaloosanews.com or via Twitter, @Brett_Hudson