re: Is Bama all Saban or would they win without him?

I am 31 and grew up in Tuscaloosa. Before Nick Saban the last time UA had a program that was in regular national championship contention was under Gene Stallings, who retired in 1996. For the next 10 years, Alabama had a mediocre program, riddled with sanctions and inconsistent performance until they hired Nick Saban. At the time they hired him they offered him the largest contract ever offered to a College Football coach, essentially full personnel control something never offered before to college coaches.

Everyone who has lived in Tuscaloosa, is my age or older, knows that Nick Saban is the reason UA's program is what it is. They do have a legacy and will be great even once he's gone. However, he is the Dynasty. Whenever his career at Alabama ends there is no guarantee that Alabama's program will be #1 in the country.