🏈 On the note of the injuries we've seen over the last few years. Two comments I found interesting.

[Crimson&WhiteGecko]

I'm not sure what you mean by "had the guts to change." Cochran put in his departure papers to move over to UGA in order to have an on-field coaching position (which wasn't available at Alabama). Saban responded by finding Rhea and Ballou. Saban could have his pick of almost anyone in the S&C field, but his criteria led him to Rhea and Ballou.

I think Cochran putting in his departure papers for a new position is the 'de jure' version but Cochran not willing to change up his philosophy of S&C is the 'de facto' reason he was replaced. Cochran has been a fan favorite of the Crimson Tide family for a while now & the cover story for his departure was a way to do things respectfully.

But in the end, it does take guts for CNS to seek out a different process towards S&C for this program. It's not everyday that a major institution (Corporations, small businesses, Universities, etc) make major internal adjustments to get even better. Its very tempting to go with the guy that got us here mentality. And CNS moved on not only from a proven S&C coach but he could have found the next Cochran with the same S&C philosophy yet he didn't. He really looked for something different with Rhea & Ballou. And that takes guts. Not from any fallout from others but CNS is no doubt his biggest critic. Sometimes we can be the most defensive & resistant to changes that we all need to make.

 

[TerryP]

Cochran put in his departure papers to move over to UGA in order to have an on-field coaching position (which wasn't available at Alabama). Saban responded by finding Rhea and Ballou.

I think Cochran putting in his departure papers for a new position is the 'de jure' version but Cochran not willing to change up his philosophy of S&C is the 'de facto' reason he was replaced.

C&W is hitting the mark here. Remember, Saban brought in S&C guys from the league to evaluate and suggest how things could be improved. Cochran was certainly behind the idea of improvement but balked at some things Saban wanted to do. He had other ideas/plans and the two didn't see eye to eye.