It looks like Alabama may have a spot to fill on its coaching staff in the very near future.
The Tide's inside linebackers coach and associate head coach James Willis has been targeted the last few days by new Texas Tech and former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville to become the Red Raiders' defensive coordinator.
Don Williams of redraiders.com reported today that Willis and his wife, Shalane, traveled to Lubbock, Texas, Tuesday evening for what Tech athletic director Gerald Myers described as an "official visit."
Willis served under Tuberville as a graduate assistant at Auburn from 2001-03 and running backs coach from 2006-2008. Willis played at Auburn from 1990-92.
“He's someone coach Tuberville has a lot of respect for,’’ Williams quoted Myers as saying about Willis. “He has a lot of confidence in James. They’ve worked together at Auburn, and (Tuberville) knows what he can do, and I think he feels James can do a good job for him.’
“I think (Willis and his wife) wanted to look at the school and the city. But I’m pretty sure they’ll talk about (the job) on the trip out here.’’
Willis has been on staff at Alabama for one year and was credited with the rapid development this season of true freshman inside linebacker Nico Johnson, who stepped into a starting role after the loss of Dont'a Hightower to injury.
Willis also coached Butkus award winner Rolando McClain this past season.
