Crimson Jangles said:
Now let me preface this by saying that I don't think Saban will leave (if he does) until he wins a NC at Bama. And he could very well decide to retire in Tuscaloosa.
But if he DOES leave, I think our talent will be at such a high level that it would be extremely difficult to hire a truly bad coach that could screw it up. And we will also have top facilities and a 100K+ stadium.
I think the key is if Saban can sign one more class for us. That would give us 4 full classes (well the 2007 class wasn't 'fully' signed by Saban, but was still Top 10) under Saban, and would give us as much talent as any program in the SEC.
So I think is Saban is still our coach on NSD next year, we are probably set in a place to compete for SEC and/or NC titles, for the next 5-10 years, minimum.
I don't pretend to know what Nick Saban is thinking, although I suspect he's thinking about the process and how to dominate his opponent. I imagine he thinks that pretty much every minute of every day. :lol: But what he thinks in regards to Tuscaloosa and the eventual end of his career? Who knows? I will say this though, Saban has stated that he and his wife are happy here. Saban is in a situation where he (atleast by appearances) has an immense amount of power and control. He's been given the resources to build the program back to greatness and I think that is exactly the kind of situation that Saban wants to be in, and is happiest in. Also, and maybe this is just me, but I think his recent comments regarding the Anthony Grant hire speak VOLUMES about Nick Saban's desire and vision for Alabama. In his presser he said flatly that it's important (to him) that when people think of Alabama they think of a certain quality. And the quality should be at a high level whether it be football, basketball, checkers , or charades. Those comments would indicate to me that Coach Saban is an individual that has a lot invested in the program and isn't looking for greener pastures.
But, one comment that bothers me is your assumption that it would be hard for a truly bad coach to come in and wreck what Saban has done, because the talent is at such a high level. I would disagree with that and point my finger towards Bat'n Rooj as evidence that a truly bad coach can come in and do damage. While LSU isn't in shambles, they certainly appear to be on the decline, despite having top-level talent stockpiled at every position (supposedly).
Mike Dubose recruited pretty well at Alabama, but turned out to be a terrible head coach.
Ron Zook was left a treasure trove of talent at Florida but his teams were schizophrenic during his tenure there.
Charlie Weiss has recruited like a gang buster at Notre Dame, and that hasn't exactly panned out for them.
Orgeron recruited tons of talent to Ole Miss, but he was a complete moron.
All of the situations are a little different, as some coaches inherited talent, while others were building up their respective programs with talent, but the bottom line is the same in each case. A mediocre to bad head coach can come in and bury a program, regardless of talent.
I don't think Saban is going anywhere anytime soon, but if he leaves he leaves. BAMA will be in a better position at that point because of him, but wont be able to live off it. We'd have to hire a competent head coach that understands BAMA, the SEC, and the work required to succeed in this job. Talent alone isn't going to keep the program at a high level IMHO.
