Jalen Milroe opens up on growth of his relationship with Tommy Rees

Jalen Milroe has been one of the most improved players from last season to this season as well as over the course of this fall. While a lot went into that development, the addition of Tommy Rees as the offensive coordinator at Alabama and his relationship with him has plenty to do with it.

Milroe spoke about his connection with Rees recently ahead of the Crimson Tide’s appearance in The Rose Bowl. To him, Rees’ background as a quarterback has made it easier for them to work with one another. It has also given him a lot to learn from the former QB1 for the Fighting Irish.

“This is the first time I had an OC that played the position, that played the quarterback position,” said Milroe. “I see quarterback in the lens of him as a playcaller.

“I think I’m very receptive of his coaching because he played the position, played at a high level at Notre Dame,” Milroe continued. “Now that he’s coaching? He’s able to coach the position and I’m able to absorb it as much as possible. It has been great. It has been great having Coach Rees here.”

Milroe developed and ended up exploding by the end of his first season as ‘Bama’s starting quarterback. He finished the year by posting nearly 3,200 total yards and 35 touchdowns.

Individually, he became a better overall quarterback en route to finishing top-six for The Heisman Trophy. It also helped elevate the Crimson Tide as a team to win the SEC and make the playoff.

After a so-so start to the season, Rees made the necessary changes to the offense and for Milroe to help Alabama. Now, after his breakout third season, Milroe is well on his way to becoming the player he wants to be because of Rees’ work.

“Honestly, I’m trying to build as much as possible and be the best quarterback I can be,” Milroe said.

Milroe claps back at Bill O’Brien on position change

Jalen Milroe is no stranger to being doubted, sometimes even by those closest to him like Alabama’s former offensive coordinator in Bill O’Brien.

Milroe made a shocking revelation on Thursday in a media availability before the College Football Playoff.

“All my life, even when I was in college,” Milroe said. “My own offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien, told me I shouldn’t play quarterback. So there’s a lot of things I can have motivation on and that’s something I have motivation on.”

“How would you feel if I told you you suck?” Milroe asked a reporter, who then responded not very good. “OK then, so that’s exactly how I felt. Biggest thing for me? Be true to myself and stay the same. Nothing changed about me. The only thing that changed was I had the opportunity and I seized it.”

Milroe certainly used O’Brien’s suggestion as fuel for the fire, eventually working his way into the starting role for the Crimson Tide. Not only did Milroe seize it this season, though. He did so well enough to help lead Alabama to the College Football Playoff where the Crimson Tide will have a chance to compete for a national title.

“He told me a bunch of positions I could have switched to. But look where I’m at right now,” Milroe said. “So who gets the last laugh?”