🏈 TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA MAGAZINE: Post Saban Coaching Fiasco Ahead?

[beachfinder]

I am often asked who I would like to succeed Saban. I was asked that question once at a Red Elephant Club in front of Saban and answered, "If he was hit by a bus tomororow, I'd petition for James Franklin of Vanderbilt... Saban remarked it seemed like I had been thinking of that for some time since I answered so quick and then said "well let's hope that's something you don't have to worry about for while" with a grin...

And of course I was scorned by not picking Smart or one of the other "Saban Boys"... I've always wondered if we would live through another set of coaches that disappoint us like we went through before, just because they were one of "Bear's Boys"....

Saban wasn't one of Bear's and it took us 25 years to get that out of our system. So at the end of this story there's a place for comments about what you think of that subject and who you might pick if Saban were hit by a bus tomorrow...

http://touchdownalabama.net/are-the-post-saban-years-going-to-bring-saban-boys-for-coaches/

Larry

 

[It Takes Eleven]

I think it's more reflective to consider Coach Stallings' on-the-field winning percentage of .803 if you compare his ability to coach teams to victory. Although the nine forfeits do put him in Curry territory, it's inaccurate to consider his tenure less successful than, or even on par with, Curry's.

I would also add that Dubose was not on par with Smart in experience when he became head coach. Dubose was a defensive line coach elevated to coordinator for just a single year following Coach Oliver's departure. He never had the opportunity to develop as a coordinator, so in the prism of history I wouldn't consider him a "great coordinator". Coach Smart, on the other hand, is beginning his sixth year as a coordinator with one "down" year of ten wins.

I think I'll wait until Coach Saban announces his departure before I start worrying; however, Coach Smart has thrived under Coach Saban, meaning over a significant period of time he has measured up in his ability to scheme and develop defensive strategies, plan to an excruciating degree, and recruit with outstanding success. I would take a chance on him rather than completely erasing Coach Saban's "process" with an entirely new, albeit successful, coach and his team of assistants.

RTR,

Tim

 

[Kirk Van de Graaff]

I am with Tim on this, I will worry when the time comes, truthfully not worried at all. Coach Saban leaves programs in good shape. I would also go with giving a "Saban boys" type a shot, meaning Kirby Smart. I have watched him on the sideline and he is as much into it as Coach Saban is. The diamond in the rough we have IMHO is Cochran. I would sure hate to see that guy leave. Yeah yeah, I know he isn't a head coach, nor would be, but dang that guy sure does produce results.

Thats where Saban excels along with his ways with his players, the people he puts around him. The day will come, but I am gonna enjoy this ride and look forward to what awaits when the time comes.

 

[bamaraider]

I wonder....say Smart departs after this year and becomes a HC somewhere else and a when the UA job opens, he decides to stay at his school. Sort of like Strong at Louisville. Is Jim Tressel out of the question? I have no idea what the penalties are he was faced with and what the school would be faced with if anyone hired him, but he had a very impressive career at OSU. Very interesting topic to talk about honestly. Its not to say I'm not enjoying this time right now, because I most certainly am. Its just a fun topic to discuss to predict the future.

 

[bamaraider]

I am with Tim on this, I will worry when the time comes, truthfully not worried at all. Coach Saban leaves programs in good shape. I would also go with giving a "Saban boys" type a shot, meaning Kirby Smart. I have watched him on the sideline and he is as much into it as Coach Saban is. The diamond in the rough we have IMHO is Cochran. I would sure hate to see that guy leave. Yeah yeah, I know he isn't a head coach, nor would be, but dang that guy sure does produce results.

Thats where Saban excels along with his ways with his players, the people he puts around him. The day will come, but I am gonna enjoy this ride and look forward to what awaits when the time comes.

Smart is going to be a excellent HC. He reminds me a lot of Jim Harbaugh. How energized he is, very hands on with the players, but also a disciplinarian. Muschamp is a good HC, but he's kind of a hot head. Smart looks like he kind of balances it all out. Plus he's a great recruiter.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

I wonder....say Smart departs after this year and becomes a HC somewhere else and a when the UA job opens, he decides to stay at his school. Sort of like Strong at Louisville. Is Jim Tressel out of the question? I have no idea what the penalties are he was faced with and what the school would be faced with if anyone hired him, but he had a very impressive career at OSU. Very interesting topic to talk about honestly. Its not to say I'm not enjoying this time right now, because I most certainly am. Its just a fun topic to discuss to predict the future.

I believe Tressel's dishonesty with his players, the media and his administration will keep him out of a return to a marquee head coaching position. When he was a consultant for the Colts, they suspended him for seven games to honor the NCAA sanctions against him.

RTR,

Tim

 

[bama alum]

I believe Tressel's dishonesty with his players, the media and his administration will keep him out of a return to a marquee head coaching position. When he was a consultant for the Colts, they suspended him for seven games to honor the NCAA sanctions against him.

RTR,

Tim

I dunno. The Bama sweater vests would look really good! :bluebiggrin:

 

[planomateo]

I'll be the head in the sand guy...why do I want to think about what happens next, just gonna sit back and enjoy the ride as a fan.

 

[bama alum]

I'll be the head in the sand guy...why do I want to think about what happens next, just gonna sit back and enjoy the ride as a fan.

^^^ This!

 

[psychojoe]

I am certainly enjoying the ride, but it is fun to speculate here. i would love to see Kirby ultimately get the job. I have hopes that he will be every bit as good a successor to hos mentor as Tom Osborne was.

 

[BAMA JAMMA]

I'll be the head in the sand guy...why do I want to think about what happens next, just gonna sit back and enjoy the ride as a fan.

Same here.

 

[beachfinder]

Tressel? Hell, he'd be too old by the time Saban leaves as he's too old right now to take on a new challenge, PLUS I can't stand that arrogant SOB... He'll I'd rather my wife coach the team as him and she doesn't know the difference from a dime package to a .10 coin.... (G)

Larry