University of Alabama beat writer: The Birmingham News

And I believe Veazey was seriously considered for that GA gig, too. Either way, the News has at least two top-notch candidates close to home. Won't go wrong with either Jon or Kyle.

 

Solomon would be an excellent fit for the job, as a temporary fill because of the lateness of this hire or otherwise. I know the people at Clemson celebrated openly when he left to take
his current gig in Birmingham, which says a lot about the bulldog nature he brought to that beat.
That sort of attitude would fit in well on the 'Bama beat, which is a big-boy only kind of job, especially in Birmingham.
You've got great writers in the Newhouse chain in Huntsville and Mobile, the aforementioned Veazey in Decatur, and of course, the 800 pound gorilla in Tuscaloosa named Cecil Hurt (and the cast of thousands the T-News throws at 'Bama).
It's a great job, but certainly not easy.

 

I am told, again by my friends in the bidness, that Solomon was promised when he took the GA gig in Birmingham that he would not be asked to go back on any beat.

rb

 

I echo what Moddy said. Why would Jon Solomon want this job? He had a beat job before and now can do bigger/cooler/more interesting things. I know I'd rather write big picture stories that you can actually have a couple of days to work on than write about pulled hamstrings. And that doesn't even mention the quality of life issues.

 

maybe they'll let goldberg do auburn and alabama.
no word on what steve kirk's going to do?

 

My peeps tell me Capt. Kirk will work for an internet-based community sports firm in Dallas.

rb

 

They could split the beat between Melick and Solomon for the time being until they find someone to fill the position. Just a thought.

 

That would seem like the logical thing to do.

 

Exactly. This is the feeling of more and more people in this business.
This slot will be filled by someone under 30, I'm guessing. Maybe under 25, though that may be a stretch of a decision considering how big this paper is and how many people read it.
The hiring eds will want someone who knows what they are doing and also has good writing flow and english skills.

 

The Birmingham News is not going to hand their No. 1 beat to a youngster unless that person is a super effing stud. There is too much competition and that beat is too important.

 

Hmmm.