Phil Savage Replaces Kenny Stabler in Alabama

Trading in the clipboard for a microphone…

If you have followed the career of Kenny “The Snake” Stabler, you’ve seen him learn from the great Joe Namath after being recruited by legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

You’ve seen him play on three different NFL teams, winning Super Bowl XI and getting named to four Pro Bowls.  You’ve also likely seen him star as the spokesman for the “Lung Brush.”  Smoke to your heart’s content!

Then things started to fall apart.  Stabler was a broadcaster for his alma mater, but was forced to take a leave of absence following his third DUI.  And shortly following the announcement that Stabler would be relieved of his duties comes the announcement that none other than Phil Savage will take his spot in the broadcast booth as Alabama’s color analyst.

That’s right, the same Phil Savage that was to be the savior of the Cleveland Browns thanks to a string of solid seasons in Baltimore.  Also the same Savage that signed Kevin Shaffer and Donte Stallworth to six- and seven-year deals respectively and then personally emailed a fan with profanity that ultimately resulting in his pink slip with the team.  Well, that and the whole four-win season thing.

Savage definitely had his ups and downs, but for the former GM to not land a job in the NFL, but also not land a job with any sort of team construction or decision making is very telling of what the rest of the football world thinks of his recent theatrics. 

Savage received his first crack behind the microphone during Alabama’s spring games.  I wouldn’t completely count him out in terms of recruiting at any level in the future, but it is clear that Savage has a lot of respect to gain back from the football community, professional or collegiate.