Alabama Crimson Tide

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama wasted no time finding a new secondary coach, announcing the hiring of former Colorado defensive coordinator Greg Brown less than 48 hours after hoisting the national championship trophy in Miami Gardens.

Brown, 55, replaces Jeremy Pruitt, who left to become the defensive coordinator at Florida State after six seasons at Alabama. Coach Nick Saban touted Brown's three decades of coaching experience, 15 of which were spent as an assistant coach in the NFL. He inherits an Alabama secondary that finished in the top 10 in fewest passing yards allowed.

"I'm extremely happy to add a coach the caliber of Greg Brown to our staff," Saban said in a news release. "Greg has a tremendous amount of college and NFL experience, and his knowledge in the secondary really made him the perfect fit for this position. He will be an outstanding addition to our coaching staff and we look forward to Greg and his family joining our staff at the University of Alabama."

Brown was the defensive coordinator at Colorado for the past two seasons, his third stint with the Buffaloes. The Buffaloes were ranked 97th in the country in passing defense last season, surrendering 262.5 yards per game. He spent the 2010 season as the co-defensive coordinator at Arizona.

"It is an honor and an unbelievable opportunity to join the staff at the University of Alabama," Brown said in a statement. "I've known and respected Coach Saban for many years and he is the best in the country at what he does. It is the dream of any defensive coach to learn from Coach Saban, especially at a place with Alabama's great tradition and history. I look forward to doing my part to help continue the success with the top college football program in the nation."

Brown spent time with the New Orleans Saints (2002-05), the Atlanta Falcons (2000-01) and the San Francisco 49ers (1999) in the NFL. While in the pros, he coached the likes of Samari Rolle, Rodney Harrison and All-Pro Marcus Robertson.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- At least one key junior is returning to the University of Alabama next season. Right guard Anthony Steen announced he would come back for his senior season on Wednesday, citing a need to improve his draft stock, according to the university.

"Returning in 2013 will give me a chance to improve my draft status," he said in a news release, "while also providing the opportunity to enjoy another season with my teammates, coaches and our fans."

Steen was part of an offensive line that was arguably the best in the nation, producing two 1,000-yard tailbacks and accounting for more than 3,000 yards on the ground. The 6-foot-3 Mississippi native will be joined by sophomore tackle Cyrus Kouandjio on the line next season as it's likely junior right tackle D.J. Fluker will turn pro. Center Barrett Jones, the Rimington Award winner, and All-American guard Chance Warmack were both seniors this season and are likely NFL draft picks.

"We are glad that Anthony has decided to return and he'll be one of the senior leaders of our offense," Alabama coach Nick Saban said. "He's done an outstanding job for us as a starter at guard on the last two championship teams and I think he can become an even better player and improve his status for next year's draft with another season here."

Saban said that while most people spoke about Jones, Fluker and Warmack this season, he expects to hear a different tune in 2013.

"I think Anthony Steen and Cyrus are two guys that have played very, very well all year long, and their time is coming," he said. "They're going to be the guys who get featured next year as being the most experienced guys, who have the most starts, who have played with the most consistency, that people will be looking at as guys who probably will receive a lot of accolades. I don't think that just because you don't get media attention or make some team that it doesn't mean you haven't been very effective as a player. A lot of times, people do a numbers count on how many guys are from this this team -- you can only submit so many guys for these teams -- but Anthony's done as good a job as anyone on the offensive line."

Steen, who has started 25 games in his career, came to Alabama as the No. 39 prospect at defensive tackle, according to ESPN.

"I enjoy Tuscaloosa and our fans way too much to leave early," Steen said. "We are also losing two great seniors this year and this will give me the chance to help get players ready for their new roles in 2013."

Wide receiver vs. defensive back one-on-one matchups from the Jan. 4 Under Armour Combine held at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. The combine featured many of the nation's top 2014 and 2015 prospects.

Alabama's Nico Johnson looks back on winning three titles in the last four years.

Winning national titles has become a habit for Chance Warmack and Alabama.

There's still seven months before the start of the 2013 season, and the teams and their order figure to change frequently, but it's never too early to take a look at the Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2013.

And with three national championships in the past four years, there's no reason to change the team that's on top.

Also see:

• RecruitingNation's Too Early Top 25 recruiting update
• Early 2013 power rankings for the SEC, and all the conferences

The 2012-13 season is in the books. There are no more position battles to be won and no more jockeying for position in the battle to become the most valuable player for Alabama. Now we can look back and evaluate who were the best athletes to suit it up for the Crimson Tide this season.

1. LG Chance Warmack: If NFL scouts and general managers can recognize it, so can we. Warmack -- yes, a guard -- was the best player on the football field every time he suited up, and not just because of the captivating half-shirt he wore all year revealing his rather large belly. A national television audience saw just how dominant he could be against Notre Dame, as he was in on nearly every key block to spring Alabama's 265 yards on the ground. Heisman Trophy finalist Manti Te'o was neutralized largely because of Warmack's efforts getting to the second level. The All-American left guard will likely go early in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft, leaving behind a legacy few can touch.

2. QB AJ McCarron: Speaking of legacies, McCarron has already sealed his. He's the only quarterback to repeat as a national champion and he holds the all-time passing touchdowns record at Alabama. All that with a year of eligibility remaining. The junior from South Alabama took a major step forward as a quarterback and as a leader this season. He finished just 77 yards shy of 3,000, completed better than 67 percent of his passes and threw a whopping 30 touchdowns to three interceptions to lead the country in passing efficiency. The scary thought? Just how good he and an improved receiving corps can be next season.

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