Undefeated in college football this year, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide are the heavy favorites to repeat as National Collegiate Athletic Association champions in January. If they succeed, Dean Altobelli, whose official title is “analyst” on legendary head coach Nick Saban’s staff, will take home his fourth championship ring since arriving in Tuscaloosa in 2010.
Winning the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Eve and the national championship on Jan. 9 would be a career pinnacle for most on the team. But for the 51-year-old Altobelli, the championship rings represent almost the opposite.
