Alabama: a football coaching history

Blue Blood#1 of 138–
See Alabama’s full 91-year Zeitgeist History →
← all coaches

Stature and coaches, 1936–2026

The program’s standing over time, with every coach’s tenure beneath it — read down to see who was there for each rise and fall.

DynastyBlue BloodPower ProgramNational ProgramRegional Program

Run↔pass identity, by season

No play-by-play coverage before 2004more passmore run200420062008201020122014201620182020202220242026
Program GOAT
Nick Saban
10 Dynasty · 15 Blue-Blood seasons
Right now
Kalen DeBoer
the 6th-best of Alabama's 11 ranked coaches so far

Every coach

Big movers show how many stature points they built or lost against what they inherited; steadier tenures show the tier they reached instead. A small blue arrow marks a real System Shift at that changeover — how hard the offense’s run/pass identity flipped.

2024–now
Kalen DeBoer Inheritor
Kalen DeBoer inherited Alabama at Blue Blood and kept it there.
2024 defense ranked in the 99th percentile nationally — elite
vs. Auburn
−10.6 pts over 3 seasons · bottom 11% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Jack Crowe’s Arkansas run (1990–1992)

6th-best Alabama tenure of 11 by the numbers.

Followed Nick Saban (2007–2023).

System Shift, on arrival
Season202420252026Trend
Record & result
Record9-411-46-2
PostseasonL bowlCFP loss—
Recruiting rank#2#3#2
Style — pass rate
Pass rate42.152.945.1
Coordinators
OCJaMarcus Shephard / Nick SheridanJaMarcus Shephard / Nick Sheridan / Ryan GrubbRyan Grubb
DCColin Hitschler / Kane Wommack / Maurice LinguistKane Wommack / Maurice LinguistKane Wommack / Maurice Linguist
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense606782
Defense998484
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%40.747.843.9
Red-zone pass%29.144.142.9
4th-down go%opp. territory36.447.832.0
Recruiter or developer?

Underperforms his recruiting talent on offense and outperforms his recruiting talent on defense.

Offense vs. talent
-12.4 pts
#158 of 208 · bottom quarter
Defense vs. talent
+18.0 pts
#37 of 208 · top quarter
Recruiting talent is team-wide (no offense/defense split exists in the source data) -- both sides are scored against the same talent input, only the outcome is side-specific.
Roster construction · portal era

A typical amount of portal roster-building.

Portal arrivals
43
3.4★ avg rating
Portal departures
88
left via the portal
Net portal flow
-45
#81 of 187 FBS stints
Notable portal arrivals with a modeled NIL value
Isaiah Horton On3 modeled · $1,000,000
On3’s modeled estimate (social reach / exposure), not money actually paid — shown per player, never totaled.
Who they bring in

Brings in bigger-than-position-typical players than most.

Recruits younger transfers than most — more of a development bet.

Avg. size (raw)
6′3″, 259 lbs
across 39 of 43 arrivals — unadjusted for position mix
Size vs. position-typical
+11.2 lbs
#6 of 255 · top quarter
Avg. class year
So
#246 of 255 · bottom quarter
Top states: AL (5), CA (4), TX (4), MD (3), OH (3)
Who won the portal our read
Talent added
62.5
position-weighted
Talent lost
68.5
position-weighted
Net
-6.0
arrivals minus departures
Best addition: Austin Mack (QB) from Washington
Biggest loss: Julian Sayin (QB) to Ohio State
Position-value-weighted (QB/CB weighted highest, depth-decayed within each position) — the same scoring engine as the Portal Heat feed, not a separate grade.
Does the system survive a coordinator change?
OC: JaMarcus Shephard (co) / Nick Sheridan (co) → JaMarcus Shephard (co) / Nick Sheridan (co) / Ryan Grubb · 2025
60th pct67th pct0th100th
1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.
1st-down pass rate: 40.7% → 47.8% (+7.1 pts)
Confound, shown not hidden: only 43% of offensive production returned the year the coordinator changed — the roster turned over at the same time, not just the play-caller.
OC: JaMarcus Shephard (co) / Nick Sheridan (co) / Ryan Grubb → Ryan Grubb · 2026
67th pct82nd pct0th100th
1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.
1st-down pass rate: 47.8% → 43.9% (-3.9 pts)
Confound, shown not hidden: only 26% of offensive production returned the year the coordinator changed — the roster turned over at the same time, not just the play-caller.
DC: Colin Hitschler (co) / Kane Wommack / Maurice Linguist (co) → Kane Wommack / Maurice Linguist (co) · 2025
99th pct84th pct0th100th
1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.
Roster size, by position
Skill positions · usage-weighted (real participation)
Quarterback
217 lbs
6′3″ avg · #256 of 767 · middle half
Running back
216 lbs
5′11″ avg · #117 of 791 · top quarter
Wide receiver
194 lbs
6′0″ avg · #356 of 791 · middle half
Tight end
257 lbs
6′4″ avg · #52 of 731 · top quarter
Trench & secondary · recruited roster, not confirmed starters
Interior line
325 lbs
6′5″ avg · #11 of 779 · top quarter
D-line
295 lbs
6′4″ avg · #152 of 753 · top quarter
Linebacker
234 lbs
6′2″ avg · #146 of 772 · top quarter
Cornerback
197 lbs
6′1″ avg · #80 of 771 · top quarter
Offensive-line size is one undifferentiated bucket — the source data almost never distinguishes tackle from guard from center, so we can't split them out.
Where the roster comes from, by position
Grows Running back from high school
75%
#162 of 208 stints
Grows Linebacker from high school
80%
#170 of 225 stints
Postseason detail2024: Lost to Michigan 13-19 ReliaQuest Bowl2025: Beat Oklahoma 34-24 College Football Playoff First Round Game2025: Lost to Indiana 3-38 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential

17 NFL Draft picks: Tyler Booker (2025), Jihaad Campbell (2025), Jalen Milroe (2025), Malachi Moore (2025), Que Robinson (2025), Robbie Ouzts (2025), Tim Smith (2025), Kadyn Proctor (2026) + 9 more

3 player-seasons honored (All-America / national award): Malachi Moore (2024), Tyler Booker (2024), Kadyn Proctor (2025)

AI Narratives — “Alabama's Offseason Moves: Stability Amidst Challenges” and 7 more on the team page.

−10.6
26-10
2007–2023
Nick Saban Transformer ◆ COY
Nick Saban took the Crimson Tide from Power Program I to Dynasty — 10 Dynasty seasons.
2009 defense ranked in the 100th percentile nationally — elite
vs. Auburn
+41.8 pts over 17 seasons · top 4% of 10+-season tenures (202 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Dabo Swinney’s Clemson run (2008–now)

1st-best Alabama tenure of 11 by the numbers.

Followed Mike Shula (2003–2006) · succeeded by Kalen DeBoer (2024–now).

System Shift, on arrival
System Shift, on departure
Season20072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023Trend
Record & result
Record7-612-214-010-312-113-111-212-214-114-113-114-111-213-013-211-212-2
PostseasonW bowlL bowlChampionW bowlChampionChampionL bowlCFP lossChampionTitle game LChampionTitle game LW bowlChampionTitle game LW bowlCFP loss
Recruiting rank#12#3#3#4#1#1#1#1#1#1#1#5#1#2#1#2#1
Style — pass rate
Pass rate49.137.036.543.741.336.544.244.341.039.535.243.448.247.251.048.936.7
Coordinators
OC———————Lane KiffinLane KiffinLane KiffinMike Locksley / Brian DabollMike Locksley / Josh GattisSteve SarkisianSteve SarkisianBill O'BrienBill O'BrienTommy Rees
DC———————Kirby SmartKirby SmartJeremy PruittTosh Lupoi / Jeremy PruittPete Golding / Tosh LupoiCharles Kelly / Pete GoldingCharles Kelly / Pete GoldingCharles Kelly / Pete GoldingCharles Kelly / Pete GoldingKevin Steele
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense46686998689996958985909998100949491
Defense519010092100889086981001007310097969173
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%43.933.936.146.844.342.248.141.840.441.533.246.754.052.846.046.536.0
Red-zone pass%34.125.633.347.536.829.830.842.430.836.334.140.543.438.851.043.326.7
4th-down go%opp. territory18.813.312.318.212.918.829.230.628.820.029.428.033.331.830.025.017.5
Recruiter or developer?

Outperforms his recruiting talent, on both sides of the ball.

Offense vs. talent
+16.7 pts
#47 of 208 · top quarter
Defense vs. talent
+17.5 pts
#39 of 208 · top quarter
Recruiting talent is team-wide (no offense/defense split exists in the source data) -- both sides are scored against the same talent input, only the outcome is side-specific.
Roster construction · portal era

Barely touches the portal — recruits and develops his own.

Portal arrivals
14
3.6★ avg rating
Portal departures
56
left via the portal
Net portal flow
-42
#169 of 187 FBS stints
Who they bring in

Typical size for position, once adjusted for position mix.

Recruits older, more experienced transfers than most.

Avg. size (raw)
6′1″, 216 lbs
across 11 of 14 arrivals — unadjusted for position mix
Size vs. position-typical
+5.4 lbs
#94 of 255 · middle half
Avg. class year
Sr
#1 of 255 · top quarter
Top states: CA (4), FL (3), GA (2), MO (1), LA (1)
Who won the portal our read
Talent added
52.9
position-weighted
Talent lost
59.7
position-weighted
Net
-6.8
arrivals minus departures
Best addition: Tyler Buchner (QB) from Notre Dame
Biggest loss: Paul Tyson (QB) to Arizona State
Position-value-weighted (QB/CB weighted highest, depth-decayed within each position) — the same scoring engine as the Portal Heat feed, not a separate grade.
Does the system survive a coordinator change?
OC: Lane Kiffin → Mike Locksley (co) / Brian Daboll · 2017
85th pct90th pct0th100th
1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.
1st-down pass rate: 41.5% → 33.2% (-8.3 pts)
Confound, shown not hidden: only 73% of offensive production returned the year the coordinator changed — the roster turned over at the same time, not just the play-caller.
OC: Mike Locksley (co) / Brian Daboll → Mike Locksley / Josh Gattis (co) · 2018
90th pct99th pct0th100th
1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.
1st-down pass rate: 33.2% → 46.7% (+13.5 pts)
Confound, shown not hidden: only 78% of offensive production returned the year the coordinator changed — the roster turned over at the same time, not just the play-caller.
OC: Mike Locksley / Josh Gattis (co) → Steve Sarkisian · 2019
99th pct98th pct0th100th
1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.
1st-down pass rate: 46.7% → 54.0% (+7.2 pts)
Confound, shown not hidden: only 70% of offensive production returned the year the coordinator changed — the roster turned over at the same time, not just the play-caller.
OC: Steve Sarkisian → Bill O'Brien · 2021The system held
99th pct94th pct0th100th
2-season window either side.
1st-down pass rate: 53.4% → 46.3% (-7.2 pts)
Confound, shown not hidden: only 19% of offensive production returned the year the coordinator changed — the roster turned over at the same time, not just the play-caller.
OC: Bill O'Brien → Tommy Rees · 2023
94th pct91st pct0th100th
1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.
1st-down pass rate: 46.5% → 36.0% (-10.5 pts)
Confound, shown not hidden: only 40% of offensive production returned the year the coordinator changed — the roster turned over at the same time, not just the play-caller.
DC: Kirby Smart → Jeremy Pruitt · 2016
98th pct100th pct0th100th
1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.
DC: Jeremy Pruitt → Tosh Lupoi (co) / Jeremy Pruitt · 2017
100th pct100th pct0th100th
1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.
DC: Tosh Lupoi (co) / Jeremy Pruitt → Pete Golding (co) / Tosh Lupoi · 2018
100th pct73rd pct0th100th
1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.
DC: Pete Golding (co) / Tosh Lupoi → Charles Kelly (co) / Pete Golding · 2019
73rd pct100th pct0th100th
1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.
DC: Charles Kelly (co) / Pete Golding → Kevin Steele · 2023
91st pct73rd pct0th100th
1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.
Roster size, by position
Skill positions · usage-weighted (real participation)
Quarterback
209 lbs
6′1″ avg · #518 of 767 · middle half
Running back
217 lbs
6′0″ avg · #87 of 791 · top quarter
Wide receiver
193 lbs
6′0″ avg · #390 of 791 · middle half
Tight end
244 lbs
6′4″ avg · #428 of 731 · middle half
Trench & secondary · recruited roster, not confirmed starters
Interior line
317 lbs
6′5″ avg · #101 of 779 · top quarter
D-line
304 lbs
6′4″ avg · #50 of 753 · top quarter
Linebacker
236 lbs
6′3″ avg · #93 of 772 · top quarter
Cornerback
197 lbs
6′1″ avg · #65 of 771 · top quarter
Offensive-line size is one undifferentiated bucket — the source data almost never distinguishes tackle from guard from center, so we can't split them out.
Where the roster comes from, by position
Grows Punter from high school
75%
#28 of 29 stints
Grows Kicker from high school
100%
#52 of 56 stints
Postseason detail2007: Beat Colorado 30-24 Bowl2008: Lost to Utah 17-31 Allstate Sugar Bowl2009: Beat Texas 37-21 Citi Bcs National Championship Game2010: Beat Michigan State 49-7 Capital One Bowl2011: Beat LSU 21-0 Allstate Bcs National Championship2012: Beat Notre Dame 42-14 Discover Bcs National Championship2013: Lost to Oklahoma 31-45 Allstate Sugar Bowl2014: Lost to Ohio State 35-42 Allstate Sugar Bowl - Semifinal2015: Beat Michigan State 38-0 CFP2015: Beat Clemson 45-40 Cfp National Championship Game Pres. By At&T2016: Beat Washington 24-7 CFP2016: Lost to Clemson 31-35 Cfp National Championship Game Presented By At&T2017: Beat Clemson 24-6 Allstate Sugar Bowl - Cfp Semifinal2017: Beat Georgia 26-23 Cfp National Championship Presented By At&T2018: Beat Oklahoma 45-34 Capital One Orange Bowl - Cfp Semifinal2018: Lost to Clemson 16-44 Cfp National Championship Presented By At&T2019: Beat Michigan 35-16 Vrbo Citrus Bowl2020: Beat Notre Dame 31-14 Rose Bowl Game Presented by Capital One - CFP Semifinal2020: Beat Ohio State 52-24 CFP National Championship pres. by AT&T2021: Beat Cincinnati 27-6 CFP Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic2021: Lost to Georgia 18-33 CFP National Championship pres. by AT&T2022: Beat Kansas State 45-20 Allstate Sugar Bowl2023: Lost to Michigan 20-27 CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game Pres. by Prudential

133 NFL Draft picks: Andre Smith (2009), Glen Coffee (2009), Antoine Caldwell (2009), Rashad Johnson (2009), Rolando McClain (2010), Kareem Jackson (2010), Javier Arenas (2010), Terrence Cody (2010) + 125 more

Coach of the Year: SEC Coach of the Year (2020)

23 player-seasons honored (All-America / national award): Derrick Henry (2015), Jonathan Allen (2016), Tua Tagovailoa (2018), Patrick Surtain II (2020), Christian Barmore (2020), Mac Jones (2020), Najee Harris (2020), DeVonta Smith (2020) + 15 more

+41.8
206-29
2003–2006
Mike Shula Inheritor
Mike Shula inherited the Crimson Tide at Power Program I and kept it there.
2004 defense ranked in the 97th percentile nationally — elite
vs. Auburn
−3.9 pts over 4 seasons · bottom 43% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Tommy Tuberville’s Ole Miss run (1995–1998)

10th-best Alabama tenure of 11 by the numbers.

Followed Dennis Franchione (2001–2002) · succeeded by Nick Saban (2007–2023).

System Shift, on departure
Season2003200420052006Trend
Record & result
Record4-96-610-26-7
Postseason—L bowlW bowlL bowl
Recruiting rank—#21#16#13
Style — pass rate
Pass rate—34.243.146.3
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense—275758
Defense—979645
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%—30.045.343.6
Red-zone pass%—35.838.435.2
4th-down go%opp. territory—24.022.222.4
Where the roster comes from, by position
Grows Tackle from high school
100%
#198 of 223 stints
Grows Interior line from high school
100%
#198 of 224 stints
Postseason detail2004: Lost to Minnesota 16-20 Bowl2005: Beat Texas Tech 13-10 AT&T Cotton Bowl2006: Lost to Oklahoma State 31-34 Bowl

16 NFL Draft picks: Justin Smiley (2004), Antwan Odom (2004), Triandos Luke (2004), Derrick Pope (2004), Evan Mathis (2005), Wesley Britt (2005), Anthony Bryant (2005), Cornelius Wortham (2005) + 8 more

−3.9
26-24
2001–2002
Dennis Franchione Short tenure
vs. Auburn
17-8
1997–2000
Mike DuBose Inheritor
Mike DuBose inherited the Crimson Tide at Blue Blood and kept it there.
vs. Auburn
−7.1 pts over 4 seasons · bottom 24% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Sonny Dykes’s California run (2013–2016)

5th-best Alabama tenure of 11 by the numbers.

Followed Gene Stallings (1990–1996) · succeeded by Dennis Franchione (2001–2002).

Season1997199819992000Trend
Record & result
Record4-77-510-33-8
Postseason—L bowlL bowl—
Recruiting rank————
Style — pass rate
Pass rate————
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense————
Defense————
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%————
Red-zone pass%————
4th-down go%opp. territory————
Postseason detail1998: Lost to Virginia Tech 7-38 Bowl1999: Beat Florida 34-7 Bowl1999: Lost to Michigan 34-35 Bowl

11 NFL Draft picks: Rod Rutledge (1998), Michael Myers (1998), DeShea Townsend (1998), Curtis Alexander (1998), Fernando Bryant (1999), Chris Samuels (2000), Shaun Alexander (2000), Cornelius Griffin (2000) + 3 more

−7.1
24-23
1990–1996
Gene Stallings Sustainer
Gene Stallings kept Alabama a national power for 6 seasons.
vs. Auburn
+6.0 pts over 7 seasons · top 30% of 6-9-season tenures (368 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Urban Meyer’s Ohio State run (2012–2018)

3rd-best Alabama tenure of 11 by the numbers.

Followed Bill Curry (1987–1989) · succeeded by Mike DuBose (1997–2000).

Season1990199119921993199419951996Trend
Record & result
Record7-511-113-09-3-112-18-310-3
PostseasonL bowlW bowlW bowlW bowlW bowl—W bowl
Recruiting rank———————
Style — pass rate
Pass rate———————
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense———————
Defense———————
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%———————
Red-zone pass%———————
4th-down go%opp. territory———————
Postseason detail1990: Lost to Louisville 7-34 Bowl1991: Beat Colorado 30-25 Bowl1992: Beat Florida 28-21 Bowl1992: Beat Miami 34-13 Bowl1993: Lost to Florida 13-28 Bowl1993: Beat North Carolina 24-10 Bowl1994: Lost to Florida 23-24 Bowl1994: Beat Ohio State 24-17 Bowl1996: Lost to Florida 30-45 Bowl1996: Beat Michigan 17-14 Bowl

23 NFL Draft picks: George Thornton (1991), Siran Stacy (1992), Kevin Turner (1992), John Copeland (1993), Eric Curry (1993), George Teague (1993), Antonio London (1993), Derrick Lassic (1993) + 15 more

+6.0
70-16-1
1987–1989
Bill Curry Inheritor
Bill Curry inherited the Crimson Tide at Blue Blood and kept it there.
vs. Auburn
−4.6 pts over 3 seasons · bottom 39% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Barry Wilson’s Duke run (1990–1993)

7th-best Alabama tenure of 11 by the numbers.

Followed Ray Perkins (1983–1986) · succeeded by Gene Stallings (1990–1996).

Season198719881989Trend
Record & result
Record7-59-310-2
PostseasonL bowlW bowlL bowl
Recruiting rank———
Style — pass rate
Pass rate———
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense———
Defense———
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%———
Red-zone pass%———
4th-down go%opp. territory———
Postseason detail1987: Lost to Michigan 24-28 Bowl1988: Beat Army 29-28 Bowl1989: Lost to Miami 25-33 Bowl

7 NFL Draft picks: Derrick Thomas (1989), Greg Gilbert (1989), Chris Mohr (1989), Howard Cross (1989), George Bethune (1989), Keith McCants (1990), John Mangum (1990)

−4.6
26-10
1983–1986
Ray Perkins Inheritor
Ray Perkins inherited the Crimson Tide at Blue Blood and kept it there.
vs. Auburn
−12.3 pts over 4 seasons · bottom 7% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Steve Kragthorpe’s Louisville run (2007–2009)

4th-best Alabama tenure of 11 by the numbers.

Followed Bear Bryant (1958–1982) · succeeded by Bill Curry (1987–1989).

Season1983198419851986Trend
Record & result
Record8-45-69-2-110-3
PostseasonW bowl—W bowlW bowl
Recruiting rank————
Style — pass rate
Pass rate————
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense————
Defense————
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%————
Red-zone pass%————
4th-down go%opp. territory————
Postseason detail1983: Beat SMU 28-7 Bowl1985: Beat USC 24-3 Bowl1986: Beat Washington 28-6 Bowl

12 NFL Draft picks: Joe Carter (1984), Jesse Bendross (1984), Emanuel King (1985), Ricky Moore (1985), Jon Hand (1986), Larry Roberts (1986), Thornton Chandler (1986), Brent Sowell (1986) + 4 more

−12.3
32-15-1
1958–1982
Bear Bryant Transformer
Bear Bryant took Alabama from National Program I to Dynasty — 5 Dynasty seasons.
vs. Auburn
+55.8 pts over 25 seasons · top 1% of 10+-season tenures (202 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Bob Devaney’s Nebraska run (1962–1972)

2nd-best Alabama tenure of 11 by the numbers.

Followed Ears Whitworth (1955–1957) · succeeded by Ray Perkins (1983–1986).

Season1958195919601961196219631964196519661967196819691970197119721973197419751976197719781979198019811982Trend
Record & result
Record5-4-17-2-28-1-211-010-19-210-19-1-111-08-2-18-36-56-5-111-110-211-111-111-19-311-111-112-010-29-2-18-4
Postseason————————————L bowlL bowlL bowlL bowlL bowlW bowlW bowlW bowlW bowlW bowlW bowlL bowlW bowl
Recruiting rank—————————————————————————
Style — pass rate
Pass rate—————————————————————————
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense—————————————————————————
Defense—————————————————————————
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%—————————————————————————
Red-zone pass%—————————————————————————
4th-down go%opp. territory—————————————————————————
Postseason detail1970: Tied Oklahoma 24-24 Bowl1971: Lost to Nebraska 6-38 Bowl1972: Lost to Texas 13-17 Bowl1973: Lost to Notre Dame 23-24 Bowl1974: Lost to Notre Dame 11-13 Bowl1975: Beat Penn State 13-6 Bowl1976: Beat UCLA 36-6 Bowl1977: Beat Ohio State 35-6 Bowl1978: Beat Penn State 14-7 Bowl1979: Beat Arkansas 24-9 Bowl1980: Beat Baylor 30-2 Bowl1981: Lost to Texas 12-14 Bowl1982: Beat Illinois 21-15 Bowl
+55.8
232-46-9
1955–1957
Ears Whitworth Decliner
the Crimson Tide fell from Power Program I to National Program I under Ears Whitworth.
vs. Auburn
−18.1 pts over 3 seasons · bottom 1% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Paul Wulff’s Washington State run (2008–2011)

11th-best Alabama tenure of 11 by the numbers.

Followed Red Drew (1947–1954) · succeeded by Bear Bryant (1958–1982).

−18.1
4-24-2
1947–1954
Red Drew Inheritor
Red Drew inherited the Crimson Tide at Power Program I and kept it there.
vs. Auburn
−3.1 pts over 8 seasons · bottom 31% of 6-9-season tenures (368 in sample)
Closest comparable run: Joe Tiller’s Wyoming run (1991–1996)

9th-best Alabama tenure of 11 by the numbers.

Followed Frank Thomas (1944–1946) · succeeded by Ears Whitworth (1955–1957).

−3.1
54-28-7
1936–1942, 1944–1946
Frank Thomas Steady
Frank Thomas held Alabama at Power Program I for 10 seasons.

8th-best Alabama tenure of 11 by the numbers.

Succeeded by Red Drew (1947–1954).