re: Could a major college football coach survive Bear Bryant's 1969 and 1970?

Absolutely. We knew we had just hit a rough spot. The dolphins had been weighing heavily on Bryants mind too as he had accepted the job but backed out and that cost him some recruits but nobody thought Bryant should be fired. That's goofy.
He unveiled the wishbone in 71 and went back to fundamental defense. As was stated in an earlier post, the Bama defenses, particularly in 77-79 were jaw dropping to watch. They were the best sec group I've ever seen. Offensively, he signed a qb in 71 out of mobile named Richard Todd. He was 6-3 215 and ran a 4.6. bama was off and running. Todd was the best wishbone qb to ever play. Went on and was a first round pick of the jets.