Clint Lamb
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Alabama has lost another one of its assistant coaches. Considering the Crimson Tide’s constant coaching turnover during the offseason, it normally wouldn’t be major news. But this guy was hired only two months ago.
When news broke on Wednesday that new special teams coordinator and tight ends coach Jay Graham was resigning, it led to a lot of speculation on social media. That was until Graham released a statement citing his reasons for the sudden departure. Head coach Nick Saban also later addressed it.
Graham said he is taking time away from football to “seek professional help,” as he’s battling issues with mental health. He’s hoping to be a positive example for others who want to seek help too.
— Jay Graham (@CoachjayhGraham) March 24, 2021
Saban didn’t have a lot to contribute to the matter, but he did say Graham would have the program’s full support.
Nick Saban on Jay Graham: You all saw the statement he put out. Jay made a decision to do what he did. We’ll support him in every way we can.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) March 24, 2021
Graham was among the five new position coaches Alabama hired this offseason, joining Bill O’Brien, Doug Marrone, Robert Gillespie and Jay Valai. Prior to his arrival in Tuscaloosa, he was the running backs coach at his alma mater, Tennessee, for one season.
The hire was made on Feb. 2, so we haven’t even reached the two-month point. The Tide should have some time to find a suitable replacement, but that will probably have to wait until after spring ball.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.
If I were to speculate I’d say the reason was working insane hours trying to keep that machine running. There’s no telling what hours Saban and his staff work. I can promise it’s completely insane, so you’ve got to be half crazy to do that job to begin with. You simply can’t spend 60-100 hours a week at a job your whole waking life and come out “okay”. Yeah, You’re going to be great at one thing and terrible at everything else, like relationships with your wife, kids, God, your own mind, etc. It’s a subtle killer in America: workaholism. Anyway, it’s lifted up as admirable in this country, and working hard is admirable. Just not making work God himself.
Channeling my inner Rodney Dangerfield—I’m m a workaholic…