Crimson Tide returns to Alabama fresh from championship win

Alabama coach Nick Saban, shakes hands as the football team arrives at an airport Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, in Birmingham, Ala.

The Crimson Tide is set to return home fresh from its 45-40 national championship win over Clemson in Glendale, Arizona.

Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin caught a ride with his boss after missing the team bus following the national championship game.

Buses carrying the Alabama team arrived on campus in Tuscaloosa Tuesday evening after landing at the Birmingham airport Tuesday afternoon aboard a 747 charter flight. Hundreds of Crimson Tide fans will gather at Dawghouse Saloon on Demonbreun and at Moe’s Original BBQ in Cool Springs beginning at 6 p.m.

The crowd grew by the time the plane landed a little before 4 p.m., and they cheered as they watched the players and coaches disembark.

Ramsay High School’s marching band will be along the fence line playing Yea Alabama for the team’s arrival.

UA officials said there will not be an official welcome ceremony in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday but plans for an official celebration will be made in the next few days.

No more talk; the tailgate is about to drop on the College Football Playoff national championship game and each team will unleash its hounds to sniff out touchdowns, turnovers and a trophy.