I can't imagine Saban giving anyone 100% control of anything. He didn't do that with Kirby.
I think Todd Monken was a great hire but will Kirby give him 100% control of the offense? Todd will be Kirby's 3rd OC entering his 5 season with a plethora of elite players. When Nick Saban learned how to recruit elite players, he had great success with his OCs (Jimbo Fisher, Jim McElwain, Doug Nussmeier, Lane Kiffin and Mike Locksley). Was it because he gave them 100% control of the offense or something else?
Unless you were there, this was pieced together from Kirby's interview. Just repackaging what was already said. Swell.
I say the first scrimmage brought out the best in the players post practice. Monken and Luke got high marks...these are the two that need those marks most. Smart is a tough competitor and expects the most from his coaches and players at all times. His praise for the two newbies allowed me to breathe easier. The other parts of the game that did not fair as well will get it together by scrimmage #2. Smart generally understates his team's performance anyway.
PS...Newman will get the nod to start...IMO.