Were many startled when Bear Bryant announced his retirement from leading the University of Alabama football team?
Yes. Alabama fans were convinced that Bryant would live for years and continue to coach; there was even a campaign in Montgomery to get Bryant an exception from the obligatory retirement age of 70 at the time.
And, while fans were aware that Bryant smoked and drank, few were aware of the extent of his addictions and the toll they had on his health.
Bryant’s health and habits were well-kept secrets. As I mentioned before, some knew Bryant drank, but he always did it behind closed doors with intimate pals, so the public at large could not know how much he
All Alabama supporters, including myself, were disappointed when Coach announced his retirement. We knew what our football squad was like before Coach Bryant answered “the call of Mama” and returned to coach us.
I don’t believe many people were aware of his health concerns. He’d led a hard life, with too much work, cigarettes, and alcohol. However, unless you were a close personal acquaintance, you would have been astonished.
Many individuals were taken aback, but close observers (including the media) and those inside the program were not.
Bryant’s health had deteriorated since winning the 1979 National Championship, and it was clear throughout the last two years that he was not a healthy man. Even yet, it’s more surprising that he stepped down than that he died.
When a coach reaches a certain age, you realize he may not be able to continue doing the job for much longer. Bear Bryant was 70 years old and had heart issues. So it would have been far more unexpected if he had persevered and continued to train for another decade.
No, he attained the retirement age for retirement in the state of Alabama, which is a state school required to retire by Alabama law.
Is there a plan in place at the University of Alabama for who will succeed Nick Saban as head football coach after his retirement?
A2A – Zach Brining. Yes, I believe there is a strategy in place to replace Nick Saban. As informal as it may be.
Saban has come close to leaving Alabama multiple times during his 12-year tenure. Alabama’s ruling class has always been aware of this possibility and has kept it in mind. As he has stayed till he is 67 years old, it appears that he may retire in Alabama. As stated in the question, there will come a time when he is no longer Alabama’s coach or retires.
The time of his departure will determine their strategy. What coaches are available, and who seems to be the best fit?
Dabo Swinney, a Clemson head coach and Alabama alumni, is the front-runner if Saban retires today. Will he accept the position after building such a great program at Clemson? Following a successful coach like Saban at Alabama would offer little room for improvement.
College football supporters are notoriously fickle, particularly at programs with a history of winning teams. Coaching a high-profile program is not easy. According to Saban, this is not a job for the faint of heart.
When the Alabama position becomes available, there will be a plethora of coaches to pick from on the coaching carousel. The person who accepts the job should be prepared for intense scrutiny and criticism.
When the time comes to replace Saban, the Alabama Board of Regents will face a difficult and much watched decision. Given the unknowns, their approach is probably the best it can be. As a long-time Alabama supporter, I can only hope that they have a secret weapon that many people did not expect.
Can Alabama continue its college football dominance following Nick Saban’s retirement?
It can remain one of the best teams (especially with their new coach), but it was not the only dominant team in recent years. Simply ask Michigan, Georgia, LSU, and Clemson.
The NIL and Transfer protocols have significantly altered the game and produced more parity, independent of Saban’s retirement.
Add in the anticipated 12-team tournament next season, and coach Saban’s retirement becomes even less of a dominant factor.
I loved seeing Coach Saban’s television interview where he stated his reasoning for retiring at this time. Given his accomplishments and age, it made perfect sense.
