How Much Blame Does Nick Saban Bear for Alabama’s Current Struggles?
Nick Saban may be at the College Football Playoff as an observer, but his former team, Alabama, is far from its glory days. The Crimson Tide, under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, suffered a disappointing season that has left fans questioning whether Saban’s departure was timed to avoid the challenges of a changing college football landscape. While Saban remains an iconic figure, his legacy is now intertwined with the state of the program he left behind.
A Talent Gap and Missed Opportunities
Critics argue that Saban’s recruiting dominance waned in his final years, leaving Alabama with noticeable talent gaps. Defensive depth, particularly on the line, has been a glaring issue. Five-star recruits like Jeremiah Alexander and Keon Keeley have underperformed, while only a handful of offensive starters have proven SEC-ready. Tyler Booker and transfer center Parker Brailsford shined, but the rest of the offensive line was criticized as “about as mobile as an ashtray.”
These deficiencies were apparent in Alabama’s losses to Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Michigan. The Tide looked unprepared and outmatched, a stark contrast to Saban’s disciplined, battle-ready teams. Some fans suggest that Saban, seeing the rise of NIL-fueled recruiting battles, chose to retire rather than compete with programs offering million-dollar deals and luxury perks to recruits.
A Changing Landscape
College football is undergoing a seismic shift. NIL deals and the transfer portal have introduced a level of free agency that prioritizes financial incentives over traditional recruiting. Critics lament this professionalization of the sport, arguing it undermines team loyalty and the amateur spirit. However, others, like Alabama Athletics Director Greg Byrne, see it as a necessary evolution, urging boosters to “fight back” with financial support to keep Alabama competitive.
Programs like Texas, Ohio State, and Auburn have embraced this new era, using NIL deals and the portal to build powerhouse rosters. Alabama, once the gold standard, now faces a level playing field where money often trumps tradition.
DeBoer’s Growing Pains
Kalen DeBoer’s first season at Alabama was marred by inconsistency. The Tide finished 9-4 and missed the College Football Playoff for the first time in over a decade. Fans criticized the team’s lack of discipline, unimaginative offensive play-calling, and inability to establish a running game.
Jalen Milroe, once a promising quarterback, regressed in his final season. Opponents dared him to pass, and Alabama’s offense stalled. DeBoer, known for his offensive ingenuity, struggled to adapt his system to the personnel he inherited.
Discipline issues, another hallmark of Saban’s teams, also plagued DeBoer’s squad. While some fans blamed distractions like practice music, others pointed to a cultural shift. Saban instilled fear and accountability; DeBoer brings a different, less authoritarian approach. Whether this style can succeed in Tuscaloosa remains to be seen.
Fans Weigh In
Alabama fans are divided on the future. Some, like Jeff from the mailbag, believe the offensive line and play-calling need an overhaul. Others argue that Alabama’s struggles reflect the broader chaos in college football.
“Cash is king,” one fan wrote, lamenting the commercialization of the sport. Another compared Alabama’s future to that of professional teams like the Dodgers or Cowboys, suggesting the days of dynastic dominance are over.
The Road Ahead
DeBoer’s second season will be pivotal. He needs to adapt to the changing landscape while maintaining Alabama’s high standards. That means navigating NIL dynamics, improving recruiting, and fostering discipline and innovation on the field.
While some fans long for the power-running days of Saban’s prime, DeBoer must chart his own course. His success—or failure—will determine whether Alabama remains a perennial contender or becomes just another good program in a crowded field.
Saban’s legacy, while secure, is now complicated. Did he leave Alabama in decline, or did he exit at the right time, passing the baton in an era of unprecedented change? For DeBoer and the Crimson Tide, the clock is ticking to prove the program can thrive in a brave new world.
As one fan put it, “The standard at Alabama will always be the standard. Now it’s up to DeBoer to meet it.”
