The Tuscaloosa Regional Airport was home to one of the more infamous coaching arrivals in memory. Eight years after Nick Saban landed in Alabama, a smaller and more orderly crowd caught the first glimpse of new Crimson Tide basketball coach Avery Johnson.

About 100 fans gathered as Johnson landed on Alabama's plane at 5:20 p.m. Tuesday. Mostly students, one used FaceTime on his iPhone to share the experience with a friend who couldn't be there.

Before being driven away by assistant basketball coach Antoine Pettway, Johnson stepped out of the hanger to address those who stopped by to greet him.

"This has been a lifelong dream of mine to coach on a collegiate level and be a part of a community like Tuscaloosa and the great state of Alabama," Johnson said. "As you guys know, I am from the south and I love the south. I've been around the SEC for a long time growing up in New Orleans but I want to thank you guys for coming out. I want to say to the fans, get ready, put your seat belt on because what you're about to experience is something you've never experienced."

Johnson was hired Monday night and will have an introductory news conference at 11 a.m. Wednesday.