Transfer Portal 2023-2024...

[Tideflyer]

What would Al Bundy be worth in the market?

We could use a few with Al`s attitude: " Let`s rock!! "

 

[twofbyc]

I just have two words for all those worrying about picking up good players from the portal (if you trust KD ), them maybe not being “good enough to start for their team”:
Jameson Williams

 

[deltatider]

Might see a little more movement for Michigan players during the spring portal window. One of the college sports shows today on XM had a beat writer from Michigan on. He mentioned one reason there hasn’t been much activity to date because classes have already started….however, now that it’s been announced that the strength and conditioning coach is going with Harbaugh; there are more players starting to question whether they want to stay or not.

 

[MemphisBamaDude]

What’s the good word on Tacario Davis, the CB transfer from Zona? Hearing some murmurs.

 

[Bpilktree]

Might see a little more movement for Michigan players during the spring portal window. One of the college sports shows today on XM had a beat writer from Michigan on. He mentioned one reason there hasn’t been much activity to date because classes have already started….however, now that it’s been announced that the strength and conditioning coach is going with Harbaugh; there are more players starting to question whether they want to stay or not.

Yeah there is really no benefit for the Michigan guys to leave they are just kinda stuck right now. They can’t go to another school and can’t participate in spring workouts at new school. I actually thought it was surprise Saban didn’t wait a week or two for that reason but maybe he thought it was more important to get the staff and coaches in and chosen at that time then losing a few players. Washington was apparently in conversation with Deboer already.

 

[DrJJoyner]

I have seen you say Saban announced his retirement at the worst time for player retention several times. When exactly would have been a good time? I can't think of a better time than when it happened.

Even a week or two later would have been better, as classes would have been well underway pretty much everywhere and transferring would have been much harder because of eligibility issues. At that point, players might as well stay in school through the end of the semester, participate in spring practices, and then make a decision when the normal portal opened up. I suspect fewer players would have left under that scenario.

 

[DrJJoyner]

I actually thought it was surprise Saban didn’t wait a week or two for that reason but maybe he thought it was more important to get the staff and coaches in and chosen at that time then losing a few players. Washington was apparently in conversation with Deboer already.

That's really the great unknown. The downside of him retiring when he did is that it created uncertainty among some of our top players, who were already being tampered with by schools with deep pockets. The downside of him waiting is that it might have made it harder for us to get the coach we wanted. DeBoer already had a contract on the table for weeks and was clearly waiting for a better job to open up. But maybe he would have felt forced to sign it with more time passing.

 

[VirginiaTide57]

Even a week or two later would have been better, as classes would have been well underway pretty much everywhere and transferring would have been much harder because of eligibility issues. At that point, players might as well stay in school through the end of the semester, participate in spring practices, and then make a decision when the normal portal opened up. I suspect fewer players would have left under that scenario.

but then maybe the coach the school wanted to replace Saban wouldn't move or be available . . . there was no good time but I think Saban's timing was good as you can get

 

[AlexanderFan]

Even a week or two later would have been better, as classes would have been well underway pretty much everywhere and transferring would have been much harder because of eligibility issues. At that point, players might as well stay in school through the end of the semester, participate in spring practices, and then make a decision when the normal portal opened up. I suspect fewer players would have left under that scenario.

And the coach he truly wanted would’ve signed an extension fresh off a playoff appearance, resulting in a much steeper buyout, or Byrne having to take his second choice.

Saban has been meticulous his entire career, to think he suddenly went stupid regarding his retirement is pretty insulting.

 

[NoNC4Tubs]

Bottom line is that there is NO perfect time...

 

[BamaSully]

Yeah there is really no benefit for the Michigan guys to leave they are just kinda stuck right now. They can’t go to another school and can’t participate in spring workouts at new school. I actually thought it was surprise Saban didn’t wait a week or two for that reason but maybe he thought it was more important to get the staff and coaches in and chosen at that time then losing a few players. Washington was apparently in conversation with Deboer already.

This

 

[BamaSully]

And the coach he truly wanted would’ve signed an extension fresh off a playoff appearance, resulting in a much steeper buyout, or Byrne having to take his second choice.

Saban has been meticulous his entire career, to think he suddenly went stupid regarding his retirement is pretty insulting.

…and this too

🤣

 

[OneManBamaFan]

That's really the great unknown. The downside of him retiring when he did is that it created uncertainty among some of our top players, who were already being tampered with by schools with deep pockets. The downside of him waiting is that it might have made it harder for us to get the coach we wanted. DeBoer already had a contract on the table for weeks and was clearly waiting for a better job to open up. But maybe he would have felt forced to sign it with more time passing.

I am of the opinion that locking in a new coach is much more important long term than losing a few players. Very likely we may have lost just as many players with the tampering going on. It would have been more difficult to get a coach the longer you wait and I didn't want to go through having to hire a BAMA man to right the ship again.

 

[some_al_fan]

Bottom line is that there is NO perfect time...

Perfect time would’ve been after winning another championship. Unfortunately, Michigan has derailed that plan.

 

[crimsonaudio]

 

[Bamabuzzard]

View attachment 40577

I would love to play them and have our offense absolutely torch him and their defense and then have a reporter ask him postgame "Caleb, do you have any regrets about transferring from Alabama?"

 

[BJ4TIDE]

I would love to play them and have our offense absolutely torch him and their defense and then have a reporter ask him postgame "Caleb, do you have any regrets about transferring from Alabama?"

I thought the same thing this morning. I was thinking I would love for Bama to win a NC against FSU and one against Ohio State, while all those transfers are still there. Maybe even Texas.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

I thought the same thing this morning. I was thinking I would love for Bama to win a NC against FSU and one against Ohio State, while all those transfers are still there. Maybe even Texas.

well we will have to play 3 (or 4) to win it next year

 

[RollTide_HTTR]

I would love to play them and have our offense absolutely torch him and their defense and then have a reporter ask him postgame "Caleb, do you have any regrets about transferring from Alabama?"

It'd be funny if Bill O'Brien was somehow obviously involved in the loss too. Some really ugly playc alling or something.

 

[gtgilbert]

I am of the opinion that locking in a new coach is much more important long term than losing a few players. Very likely we may have lost just as many players with the tampering going on. It would have been more difficult to get a coach the longer you wait and I didn't want to go through having to hire a BAMA man to right the ship again.

well, the other plan could have been, in a perfect world, that Saban tells Byrne that he's going to retire now. They don't make it public, but Byrne starts talking to trusted agents and gets things lined up with the coach we want and keep it pretty quiet and have contracts ready to be executed. Wait 2 weeks. Classes start and kids are enrolled and it's at least a little harder to leave easily. Contracts sighted. Make announcement to the team, that Saban is retiring and here's your new head coach, then announce to world. Only risk that way would be possibly losing some new assistants.

Unlikely I know, but possible...