At RBR, we’ve debated a few times over when the Dynasty ended, whether it did, and whether it was divided into two distinct periods. Ultimately, though, the conversation always felt scholarly. We always knew that this upcoming season would essentially be the same, despite the continued greatness we were witnessing: we would finish atop the division, contend for the SEC Championship, be mentioned in the playoffs, and possibly even contend for a national championship. Mark down 10–11 regular-season victories, and set aside cash for the very possible chance of a 15-game campaign.
The outcomes speak for themselves; we were pampered.
Above all, the steadiness was a spoiler. We could anticipate an extraordinary level of consistency from the players and the programme, regardless of the distractions that surrounded the sport, the number of assistants that remained, or the turnover of the roster. As frustrating as they were anomalies, inconsistent efforts were also. You were aware of what to expect from the Saban Murderbot.
But two months ago, that world ended.
We won’t write Saint Nick’s biography or the eulogy for Alabama football just yet; as we witnessed in the Senate this week, I don’t think his last chapter has yet to be written. Nevertheless, as a fan base and as individuals, we need to face the following:
We can and must acknowledge that it would be both foolish and unfair to judge any new staff against the greatest man to ever coach college football. However, simply because Alabama has lost Coach Saban, fan demands have likely not been recalibrated…nor they should the necessarily be.
We were spoiled by the results, which speak for themselves.
Above all, we were spoiled by the stability. No matter what distractions swirled around the sport, no matter how many assistants left, no matter the roster turnover, we could expect a preternatural degree of consistency from the players and from the program. Inconsistent efforts were as maddening as they were outliers. You knew what you were getting from the Saban Murderbot.
But that world died two months ago.
We won’t write the eulogy for Alabama football, nor the hagiography of Saint Nick just yet — as we saw in the Senate this week, I don’t think his final chapter has yet to be written. Still, we must have a reckoning as a fanbase and with ourselves: It’s time to move on, and yes, we were exceptionally spoiled.
Poll
When did the Dynasty die?
This poll is closed
7%
On that soggy Santa Clara field in January 2019, the worst loss of Nick Saban’s career. And Dabo was its gravedigger.
(46 votes)
2%
It probably ended sometime following the 2015 or 2017 titles; Alabama went a radically different direction thereafter.
(16 votes)
44%
There were two Alabama dynasty periods under Nick Saban: the Joyless Murderball years, and the wide-open, pass-happy years. When they ended is largely academic.
(308 votes)
1%
The real Alabama dynasty ended with the Iron Bowl loss in 2013, and a wasted shot at a three-peat.
(9 votes)
46%
That is not dead which can eternal lie, and through strange aeons, even death may die. Iä R’lyea! Cthulhu ftagn! Iä! Iä! Roll Tide!
(324 votes)
703 votes total
We can and must acknowledge that it would be both foolish and unfair to judge any new staff against the greatest man to ever coach college football. However, simply because Alabama has lost Coach Saban, fan demands have likely not been recalibrated…nor they should the necessarily be.
This is a championship-level team, with championship-level resources and talent, and a fanbase with championship demands. And while most intellectually honest and passionate Gumps will recognize that Alabama is no longer the program, neither can they nor should they accept the prospect that Alabama is not at the least among the programs that can compete for titles every year.
That’s the narrowest of needles that Coach Kalen DeBoer and this new coaching staff must navigate. It’s not a job for the faint of heart. It requires not only a lot of bravery to follow up the GOAT, but more than a little confidence in your own track record.
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