As we noted in the one-liners last night, Nick Saban received his third Bobby Bowden Coach of the Year award Sunday for the third time in four years. Not coincidentally, Saban has led Alabama to three BCS championships in four years.
“I’m mighty proud that Nick Saban has won this award again, and so deservedly,” Bowden said at the banquet’s press conference. “I don’t know if I see an end to it.”
It’s an interesting comment from a coach that knows greatness.
“I think it’s amazing what’s happened three of the last four years, but I tell you something, it’s easier to get to the top (than) stay there,” Bowden explained. “The amazing thing is so far -- and I say so far because I know it and he knows it -- it can end any minute.”
When Saban and the Tide knocked off Notre Dame earlier this year 42-14 to win back-to-back BCS championships, the word dynasty immediately came to mind. Probably because it was already planted there; media and fans alike were beginning to speculate before the game what another championship would mean to Saban and his team in the discussion of greatest championship runs of all time.
One thing I always try to point out is how difficult it is to win one championship. So much has to go correctly: talent, chemistry -- both players and coaching -- schedule, and even a little bit of luck. Even “the process” can only go so far.
To win two titles in a coaching tenure is amazing. To win three in four years in this era of the 85-scholarship cap when talent is so dispersed is almost unheard of. Where does Saban rank among the greatest college football coaches of all time? Where does this Alabama program rank as the greatest of all time? It’s tough to place it without the help of time, but the fact that the two are already in the discussion should say something.
So when does it end for Alabama? Barring a major outside influence, such as Saban leaving the program or a major NCAA punishment, it doesn’t look like the train is slowing down, especially with the Tide hauling in a top-rated recruiting class this year.
Oh, sure, it’ll end eventually. All great runs and dynasties do. And Alabama won’t win a national championship every year, either. To expect otherwise is unrealistic. But it’ll be well-equipped to compete as long as Saban is coaching.
“He’ll have his hands full next year, people don’t understand that. When he loses a lot of people, and the chemistry and everything is so important, you know? Can he get the chemistry again of ‘let’s go after the boys?” Bowden said. “It’s a task, and I’m being honest with you, if I was an Alabama man I’d rather have it in his hands than anybody else I can think of.”