SEC will not be able to stand in the way of Alabama, Nick Saban hiring Hugh Freeze

Saban reportedly wants to hire Freeze, but there may be things keeping that from happening

If Nick Saban wants to hire Hugh Freeze, the SEC will not be able to stand in his way.

A report from TideSports.com says that the Alabama coach wants to hire the former Ole Miss coach to be the Tide's new offensive coordinator but that other members inside the Alabama program as well as the SEC could fight the idea. The report says SEC commissioner Greg Sankey in particular "isn't keen on that happening."

However, sources tell CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd differently, saying the SEC does not have the ability to stand in the way of Saban hiring Freeze. While an SEC bylaw states a school is supposed to consult commissioner Greg Sankey when it wishes to hire an individual with major NCAA violations, the hiring decision is ultimately made by the school, not the conference.

Freeze was hit with a two-game suspension by the NCAA, but only as a head coach. He could serve as Alabama's offensive coordinator without missing any time, but he still has that NCAA baggage. Also, it's important to remember that Freeze was let go at Ole Miss before the NCAA penalties were handed down, as he was caught using his university phone to call escort services.