The Alabama Dynasty is at a Crossroads
The dynasty isn't dead. Let's rid ourselves of the suspense right now.
Mighty Alabama is still mighty Alabama. Sure, it's been a couple of years since the Crimson Tide have won a title. But Nick Saban, fresh off securing one of the greatest recruiting classes college football has ever seen, is likely to be a force a while longer.
Still, many questions exist regarding the state of one of the sport's most dominant programs. With a massive talent exodus looming, a new coaching staff being put together and an increase in competition from the top down, this is a pivotal moment for a program most coaches have spent the last decade trying to emulate.
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If you've been looking for the proper time to doubt Alabama, this could be your moment. At the very least, there are enough moving parts to question just where things stand with this living, breathing dynasty.
The Departure of Greatness
Let's not sugarcoat it. Bryce Young covered up a lot of Alabama's issues last season. From dealing with an inexperienced wide receiver group to an offensive line that struggled at times, Young excelled when he was on the field.
The same can be said about Will Anderson Jr., the Crimson Tide's standout linebacker. Anderson will leave as one of the most decorated defensive players of the Saban era—a claim that is not easily made when you consider just how much talent has gone through the program.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, defensive backs Brian Branch, Jordan Battle, Eli Ricks and linebacker Henry To'oTo'o are other key contributors heading out of the program. This ritual has become normalized at Alabama. Great players leave, and then great players replace them.
Each time there has been an exodus, there has been a line of voices declaring this the potential end of an era. (Those claims have obviously not worked out very well.)
But the departures of Young and Anderson, two of the greatest players in Alabama history, is noteworthy. They weren't just impact players at crucial positions; they were vocal leaders beloved by Saban.
That is not to say the voids can't or won't be filled once again. It is merely acknowledging that replacing two critical, all-time players in the program in one offseason won't be easy.
Another Coaching Overhaul
Another constant of the Saban era has been new assistants. Success generates interest from outside parties, and that interest ultimately creates opportunities. At Alabama, the coordinator positions have largely been short-term gigs.
This offseason, Saban has had to replace both once again. On offense, former Notre Dame OC Tommy Rees will assume play-calling duties. And on defense, ESPN's Chris Low reported Kevin Steele will join Saban's staff for the third time to man the defense.
Rees signifies (perhaps) a change in style for the Tide, which shied away from running the ball last year. At Notre Dame, Rees did plenty of it, although injuries at quarterback undoubtedly played a role in this strategy as well.
Steele, if we're being honest, is likely there to run Saban's defense. The hire does not inject a great deal of enthusiasm when it comes to youth and potential impact. It is, however, familiar.
Neither hire will likely satisfy a fan base that has grown to expect more. That is nothing new; most hires across college football are rarely greeted with pure praise. But at this particular moment, with so many variables in play, these feel like more important additions than they have in the past.
Father Time
At around the midpoint of the 2023 regular season, Saban will turn 72.
He does not look or act like a 72-year-old man. Let's make that abundantly clear. Saban still has the fire and his health, and we can only hope that continues moving forward.
But to not at least acknowledge his age and what it could mean for the program would be a disservice. Coaching football at the collegiate level is an exhausting craft. Beyond the games and practices, the grind of recruiting and roster management is an unrelenting beast.
Saban has tamed this beast better than any coach to ever grace a sideline. His energy has never wavered—at least not in the public eye. He has normalized winning in a way few sports teams ever have.
For years we have wondered just how much longer Saban plans to coach. And for years, Saban has done nothing but recruit and win. As time passes, however, it's fair to question just how much longer Saban wants to do this.
Georgia (and Friends)
This is not a conversation purely directed at Alabama. In fact, one could argue that Alabama's standing will be dictated by teams and players outside of its locker room.
The competition has evolved and improved, and that starts in the obvious place. Georgia, fresh off back-to-back national championships, is the favorite to win the SEC and the national title next season. Until further notice, this is the team to beat in college football.
That changes the way we view Alabama moving forward. It doesn't remove the Crimson Tide from the conversation. It doesn't mean this team can't win a national championship next year. It does, however, acknowledge that at least one other program has caught up.
Others will attempt to do the same. LSU, fresh off a win against Alabama last year, is positioned for long-term success. Tennessee is poised to surge. Ole Miss and Arkansas are feisty. Texas A&M, while an utter mess this last fall, has added an abundance of talent over the last three years. (The Aggies have also been a thorn in Alabama's side.)
A Roster Still Ripe With Talent
With the development of NIL and a recruiting landscape that is constantly evolving, Alabama is evolving with it.
According to 247Sports, Saban secured the top recruiting class in 2023. This included nine 5-star commitments along with 18 4-star commitments. In 2022, Alabama secured the No. 2 class in the nation. In 2021, the Crimson Tide finished No. 1 in this department.
Translation? The roster is still overflowing with excellence. While there are questions about key positions, Alabama has recruited better than any team, including Georgia, in college football.
This isn't new. This is normal. Alabama has mastered the art of developing players into stars, and it will be asked to do the same once again. While it doesn't have an abundance of big-time contributors returning, there is no shortage of talent that could ultimately develop in short order.
In Conclusion...
The dynasty is not dead. This, of course, depends on your definition of the word dynasty, although Alabama is still overflowing with excellence.
As long as Saban is with the program, this is not likely to change. The roster is still overflowing with 4- and 5-star players, and new stars are likely to emerge in the short term. This is the formula to winning college football games; great players conquer good players more often than not.
The vacant quarterback position? It will be solved. The absence of a pass rush? It will be filled. The new coordinators will likely be fine.
It is reasonable to question the holes that Alabama must deal with, especially now. At some point, this tremendous run will come to a close. Perhaps it's starting to close now. Or perhaps this is merely another chapter in a long line of rebirths.
Despite the lingering questions, this does not feel like the end. If it is, however, what a run it has been.
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