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Lane Kiffin returning to Alabama in 2015

Lane Kiffin is not going to the NFL for the 2015 season.

Alabama announced Saturday that Kiffin would return for a second season as the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator. Kiffin had been mentioned as a candidate for the San Francisco 49ers' offensive coordinator opening.

"I made a comment at the Sugar Bowl that I would be back this fall at Alabama and that is definitely the plan," Kiffin said in an Alabama statement. "This time of year, there are lots of things out there regarding other coaching opportunities, but I want to reaffirm my commitment to the University of Alabama, Coach Saban, and our team. I'm excited about what our offensive staff was able to accomplish last year, but I also think there are a lot of things we can do a better job of in terms of putting our players in the best situation to have success."

When asked at the Senior Bowl about Kiffin's status for 2015, Nick Saban said he hoped Kiffin would return and said the former USC coach was committed to Alabama "right now." Kiffin was hired as Alabama's offensive coordinator following Doug Nussmeier's departure to Michigan after the 2013 season. He was fired as USC's coach midway through the 2013 season.

"We've very pleased and happy that Lane is going to be staying here at the University of Alabama with us," Saban said. "He's done a fabulous job and is one of the finest offensive coaches in the country. He is going to have plenty of opportunities in the future and we want to continue to help him develop as a coach so when he leaves here, he'll be in a very good situation. Our offense was extremely productive last season and we look forward to building on some of the good things we did on that side of the ball with this year's team."

Quarterback Blake Sims threw for over 3,400 yards in 2014 while running backs T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry each ran for over 900. Wide receiver Amari Cooper, considered a likely top-10 pick in the 2015 NFL draft, was a Heisman finalist and had 1,727 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns.

For more Alabama news, visit TideSports.com.

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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!