As well as he played, he has coached even better. Mazzone has a reputation for getting the most out of modestly talented quarterbacks. For example, take former Ole Miss quarterback Stewart Patridge, whose improvement was startling under Mazzone. When Ole Miss coach Tommy Tuberville moved to Auburn, Mazzone went along with him. The beneficiary was quarterback Ben Leard, who demonstrated significant improvement before he was injured.
Somebody has to coach the tight ends.
Besides, Cottrell already does both at Alabama, where he has upgraded the recruiting since he arrived from Florida State after the 1997 season. Florida State ranked No. 1 nationally in recruiting three times under Cottrell. Two other classes ranked second nationally. Cottrell had an immediate impact on Alabama's recruiting. The Tide has had three consecutive banner recruiting years.