re: Is this Saban's best coaching year ever?

Absolutely. He even alluded to it somewhat by his giddy smile. No QB ( you all know you said it) 2 returning OL starters, new OC who was supposed to be cancer and not good anyway, Trey DePriest the only returning impact player defensively and the Gus Bus charging along, Bama was dead. There were plenty of talking heads that said it is OVER. Nick handled all of that with extreme precision. As Saban said, Christion Jones was throwing blocks instead of catching passes, Blake Sims being a RB, scout team guy, special teams guy, never complained. Vogler knowing his role and not trying to do too much. Same with Fowler. After Ole Miss they could have dropped 3 or 4 more but the staff and players went to work, fixed issues and now are the 1st number team in the 1st college football playoff. Who'd have thunk it? 2009 and 2011 were way more talented but this was a better TEAM.