In Reply to: Putting all your eggs in one basket is never posted by TAMPATIDE on January 11, 2024 at 14:26:25
Saban's player recruiting and his coaching tree are testaments to his eye for talent on and adjacent to the field.
Each year between 2011 and 2022, no less than half his starters were 5 star recruits. In 2017, 20 of the 22 starters were five stars. In 2015, the number was 18. Both years he won the title. From 2008 to 2022 Saban recruited 15% of all five stars, the highest market share in the business. There were 5 titles during that time.
So, Saban was an undeniable, rare talent in the sport.
But money is a condition precedent now. Pathways to the league are numerous and the number of programs with big bags has exploded. Saban may not have been able to overpower the new math of college football recruiting. He may have acknowledged that in stepping aside.
He's also 72.
Hats off to Saban. I will miss his presence.