re: Will history repeat itself in Tuscaloosa?

Nick Saban began talk of this retirement a few years back and the discussion was kept in a tight circle that included Greg Byrne and Stuart Bell. That is why less than 48 hours after Saban made headlines a new coach was in place with complete control over his team.

Bear Bryant wanted nothing to do with choosing his replacement. Partially due to his illness. Saban was asked to advise and they listened intnntly to the advice. What he told them was most important was to find the guy and give him the kind of control of football operations he had or that a new guy would not have a chance. Ray Perkins was not given this when he took over the program from Bear even though he had been an NFL head coach. Neither was Curry who followed.

The folks involved knew that this would lead to short term pain as the players not only lost Saban as Head Coach but the position coaches with who they were familiar. DeBoer wanted his WR guy so Holman Wiggins, who was lead on more five stars than any other assistant, departed and most of the five star guys who hit the portal were his.

Deboer may not be a guy who can keep Bama toward the top. But they are giving him a real shot under his circumstance. And his players love him. Michael Penix called Ryan Williams to help recruit him to play for Deboer at Alabama.

Yes, he lost to Michigan. But he is also 5-0 against Texas and Oregon even though both had superior depth and talent to his Husky squad. He took a team with four wins before he got there to 11 and 14 win seasons. Unlike Saban he is not afraid to build through the portal if need be.

In a few years, fans of other teams may not be laughing as they are now.