That's long enough for Saban to have formed a serious opinion about Savage's level of expertise.

"He is one of the most knowledgeable I've ever been around," Saban said, "when it comes to analyzing the game of football from both a personnel and strategy standpoint."

Crimson Tide fans will have the opportunity to learn for themselves this season, as Savage takes over as the new radio color analyst for the Crimson Tide Sports Network.

The move, which was made official Monday by CTSM General Manager Jim Carabin, means that Savage takes over for former UA quarterback great Ken Stabler.

Stabler held the position for a decade before taking a leave of absence prior to 2008 because of his third arrest for driving under the influence. Later found not guilty, Stabler decided to step away from the spotlight and moved to California.

Savage, a Mobile native, served as the general manager for the Cleveland Browns from 2005 to 2008. A former graduate assistant under then-Crimson Tide coach Bill Curry, Savage couldn't think of a better way to land on his feet.

"When you lose your job, you end up with a lot of `no's,' " Savage said. "This was one `no' I didn't want to get. It was a `yes,' and I'm thrilled about it. Hopefully I can use my knowledge as a player, a scout and most recently as a general manager and roll all those into one."

After Savage was removed from the GM position following last season, he earned himself a tryout as the radio color analyst during the A-Day game in April alongside play-by-play announcer Eli Gold and sideline reporter Barry Krauss.

When Gold left the booth that day, he recalled relaying one thought to 2008's color man Tom Roberts and producer Tom Stipe.

"I don't say this very often, but he was scary good," said Gold before the opening of his Birmingham-based restaurant Nino's on Monday night. "He was just staggeringly prepared. He showed up at practice, because of his familiarity with Coach Saban he was with the coaches, he was watching film. He got on the air and you would've sworn he had done it the last four years."

Gold said the two quickly developed an on-air rapport, and he lauded Savage's varied perspectives. While Stabler became iconic among the fan base for his enthusiastic analysis, references to his playing days, and fervor for UA, Savage will utilize his NFL ties and ability to dissect the game.

"People loved Snake, and obviously, we all wish him the very best," Gold said. "But they will really appreciate Phil. (During A-Day), he was able to chime in and say, you know, this is what NFL people think of this guy."

Savage has some strong Alabama ties, including serving as a defensive assistant for Saban under then-Browns coach Bill Belichick. Later, he spent seven years as the director of college scouting for the Baltimore Ravens under former UA legend Ozzie Newsome, who was then the team's vice president of player personnel.

Savage said his grandfather was a motor-home-owning Alabama fan, the kind who followed the team on the road. He knows his family will be beaming with his new post, which he said he has no timetable for holding.

"I've said since I was released (from the Browns) that I would go where the water flowed," Savage said. "It seemed the water flowed here. I always wanted to be an announcer when I grew up, and maybe at 44, I've finally grown up."