University of Alabama beat writer: The Birmingham News

Veazey would be a good choice to make the move up. He knows his stuff and has been around the SEC.

He has my vote.

 

I wouldn't count on a quick hire here. It took like 4 months for the last B'ham News opening to get filled -- a long interview process that ended with a couple people turning down the gig before Solomon was hired.

 

I know a prep writer at a large paper in Mississippi who's been on a college beat before but wouldn't touch this.
This individual, I think, prefers the grind of his current beat over covering a college.
Though this sounds really good, lots of people already firmly entrenched but working less-glamourous beats will not be interested in this AT ALL>

 

Isn't this the flagship of the CNHI franchise? I thought it was, but I'm not sure.

 

Newhouse.

It will pay very well, I'm sure.

 

Trust me, this position will likely be filled from within.

Source in the chain confirms that Newhouse papers in Alabama are in the midst of a hiring freeze, although something tells me this might be considered an exception to that edict.

If for some reason they do go outside The News, Kyle Veazey would be a fine hire. Don't see the Decatur paper much, but I've liked his work when I've had a chance to read it. He also seems like a good guy when we've been covering an event together.

Maybe it's time for Charles Hollis to unchain himself from the desk.

 

This one will not be filled from within

 

Veazey does nice work for the Decatur Daily. I've met him and he's a good guy.

Mark Edwards also is a good sports editor in Decatur.

I've noticed Ray Melick has been doing a lot of Alabama stories recently along with Solomon.

Melick did one today.

 

I'll pretend I didn't just read "Mark Edwards also is a good sports editor in Decatur." 

 

if it is filled from within, i'm betting solomon gets it. Melick has been through that grind and I doubt he wants the 24/7/365 hell that comes with covering Bama again.

 

I cannot see Ray Melick, at this stage of his career, giving up the cushy columnist gig and the radio/TV he does in order to go back to the grind of the Alabama beat. No way. Unless they make him because they think they could upgrade the columnist slot. I don't see that happening, either.

I think Tom will move Solomon to Alabama and hire a replacement for the GA slot. Slappy should get strong consideration for that.