A big-name former SEC coach may join Alabama's staff in an off-field role.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban has been in contact with former Tennessee coach Butch Jones regarding an offensive analyst position, sources told AL.com. Jones has visited Tuscaloosa and met with Saban in person, per sources.

The 50-year old Jones has been out of work since being fired by the Vols in November.

Jones had been at Tennessee since December 2012 after three seasons as the head coach at Cincinnati and three as the head coach at Central Michigan.

Jones is being paid approximately an $8.2 million buyout by Tennessee, paid in monthly installments until Feb. 2021, according to reports. That number is mitigated by any future salary he earns.

Tennessee hired former Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt as Jones' replacement.

Jones would be far from the first former head coach to join the Tide staff as an analyst.

Others like Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian and Mike Locksley have been analysts at Alabama after time as a head coach.

Also, the Tide is probably in need of analysts. At least four analysts from last year's Alabama staff have left for other jobs since the end of the season -- Dan Werner (South Carolina), Chris Weinke (Tennessee), William Vlachos (Buffalo Bills) and Shea Tierney (Bills).

Matt Zenitz is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mzenitz.