re: Saban's retirement - the end is near

I was there when Coach Bryant retired. He said that he realized his wishbone oriented scheme that he had used for 12 years had run its course. He was quoted as saying this meant he had to totally redo his operation...different coaches, recruit different types of players, etc., and that he did not have the energy to do all that. Also he had a minor stroke about three years previous....

Keep in mind he had done exactly what he was talking about several times in his career so he well knew what had to be done and how to do it. The auto retirement was not an issue. He could have continued. But he was not in good health at all.

Coach Saban looks young, still playing BB, throwing passes to receivers. I have a hard time imagining what else he would be happy doing. I think if he failed to recruit top classes a couple of years in a row he might consider going... it is possible another NC would do it too.