Next Alabama coach must have the 'ability to lead this historic program,' athletic director says

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Nick Saban, arguably the greatest college football coach of all time, sent shock waves through the sports world this week when he announced his decision to retire. Saban spent 17 seasons leading the Alabama football program, winning six national championships along the way. 

The legendary coach also won a national title at LSU. Saban won 11 SEC Conference championships over his combined time in Baton Rouge and Tuscaloosa. 

Alabama will now launch a search for the football team's next head coach.  

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The Crimson Tide logo painted on the field prior to the SEC Championship game between Alabama and Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 2, 2023, in Atlanta. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne is now tasked with finding the right person for the high-profile job. There has been broad speculation on what Alabama is looking for in a head coach. 

On Wednesday night, Byrne shared some insight on what qualities a candidate should have.

Byrne and the university appear to value a coach who has the ability to recruit players and develop them once they arrive at the Alabama campus, while also possessing strong relationship building skills. A coach's game-planning ability will also be highly valued.

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"As with any coaching search, our goal is to be thorough, but expedient. Our ideal candidate will be strong in recruiting and relationship building, player development, excel in Xs and Os, and have the overall ability to lead this historic program," Byrne said in a statement. 

The Alabama