George Denny started it all with a vision for what Alabama fans have enjoyed for over a century now. He saw some of the potential realized during his own time, being president during the Wade and Thomas eras. He knew the effects on the University and state would transcend football. In fact, it has affected the entire South.
Coach Bryant was one of a kind, resurrecting Alabama football from the dead, winning 13 SEC titles and 6 NCs. He was bigger than life and stayed at an especially (during the 60s) despised place, state and region when he could have left but stayed because he loved Alabama. Alabama was the SEC from the national perspective, only two other programs won a NC during his 25 year tenure. One at the beginning in 1958 and one at the end in 1980. Those were one-of seasons from two good but hardly great programs. Alabama was Southern football.
Coach Saban is one of a kind, resurrecting Alabama football from the dead, winning 9 SEC titles and 6 NCs, within the most competitive division (2 other programs won 3 NCs during his tenure), within the most competitive conference (4 other programs won 6 NCs during his tenure) at its peak, in the history of college football. This was over only 17 years, during a time when college football took off and was more cutthroat than ever before. Coach Saban could have left a program held in contempt and enjoyed the respect and adulation that a HC at USC/OSU/Texas/etc. would have enjoyed if he had accomplished the same there. But he stayed at Alabama because he loved the University. Yes, he was well compensated and wisely given the proper control but the University has been almost transformed because of his accomplishments and presence. The University can never begin to repay him for what he has done.
So, it's got to be Saban Bryant Denny Stadium, however awkward it might sound. They are all 3 on the same level.
Coach Bryant was one of a kind, resurrecting Alabama football from the dead, winning 13 SEC titles and 6 NCs. He was bigger than life and stayed at an especially (during the 60s) despised place, state and region when he could have left but stayed because he loved Alabama. Alabama was the SEC from the national perspective, only two other programs won a NC during his 25 year tenure. One at the beginning in 1958 and one at the end in 1980. Those were one-of seasons from two good but hardly great programs. Alabama was Southern football.
Coach Saban is one of a kind, resurrecting Alabama football from the dead, winning 9 SEC titles and 6 NCs, within the most competitive division (2 other programs won 3 NCs during his tenure), within the most competitive conference (4 other programs won 6 NCs during his tenure) at its peak, in the history of college football. This was over only 17 years, during a time when college football took off and was more cutthroat than ever before. Coach Saban could have left a program held in contempt and enjoyed the respect and adulation that a HC at USC/OSU/Texas/etc. would have enjoyed if he had accomplished the same there. But he stayed at Alabama because he loved the University. Yes, he was well compensated and wisely given the proper control but the University has been almost transformed because of his accomplishments and presence. The University can never begin to repay him for what he has done.
So, it's got to be Saban Bryant Denny Stadium, however awkward it might sound. They are all 3 on the same level.
