Former USC coach Lane Kiffin will remain at Alabama

Former USC coach Lane Kiffin, who was reportedly a candidate for NFL jobs as an offensive coordinator, will remain at Alabama next season.

“We’re very pleased and happy that Lane is going to be staying here at the University of Alabama with us,” Alabama Coach Nick Saban said in a statement. “He’s done a fabulous job and is one of the finest offensive coaches in the country.

“He is going to have plenty of opportunities in the future and we want to continue to help him develop as a coach so when he leaves here, he’ll be in a very good situation. Our offense was extremely productive last season and we look forward to building on some of the good things we did on that side of the ball with this year’s team.”

Kiffin was fired by USC five games into the 2013 season.

He was hired by Saban as offensive coordinator and became a finalist for the Broyles Award, presented annually to the top assistant in college football. Kiffin helped Alabama reach a College Football Playoff semifinal, but the Crimson Tide lost to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl.

Kiffin said before the Sugar Bowl that he would be back at Alabama next season.

He said in a statement Saturday, “I made a comment at the Sugar Bowl that I would be back this fall at Alabama and that is definitely the plan.”

“This time of year, there are lots of things out there regarding other coaching opportunities, but I want to reaffirm my commitment to the University of Alabama, Coach Saban, and our team,” he said. “I’m excited about what our offensive staff was able to accomplish last year, but I also think there are a lot of things we can do a better job of in terms of putting our players in the best situation to have success.

“After being here for a year, I can see why this is such a special place in terms of the history, tradition, and how much football means to everyone at Alabama. I also have learned so much in the time I’ve spent with Coach Saban and really have a better understanding of what makes him the great coach that he is. I think the more time I can spend learning from him, the better coach I will be in the future.”