Middleton leaves UA for Duke

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban said in a statement on Friday that he would immediately begin a search to find a replacement for Ron Middleton, who left UA to become assistant head coach at Duke.

Middleton, who coached special teams for UA, will rejoin head coach David Cutcliffe at Duke. The two worked together at Ole Miss during Cutcliffe’s tenure as head coach of the Rebels.

“Ron did a great job for us this season and I appreciate all of his hard work and dedication,” Saban said in the statement that was released through UA Sports Information.

“We talked about it at length and this was a move he thought was best for both his career, in terms of the role as Associate Head Coach, and most importantly his family. We’ll miss them, but at the same time, we support Ron and his family 100 percent in this decision and wish them nothing but the best.

“As with any opening at Alabama, we will immediately begin to look at candidates across the country and hire the best coach available in a timely manner.”

Tide coaches can resume on-the-road recruiting next week. A dead period for recruiting is in place from Jan. 7 through Jan. 10, but the final contact period prior to National Signing Day (Feb. 6) begins on Jan. 11.