Saban or Shula? It's an Obvious Choice

Saban or Shula? It’s an obvious choice!
On numerous occasions many men and women have gathered for a cause, and the majority of these masses were lead by one man. Whether it is Caesar leading the armies of Rome, or the President of United States leading the people or even the coach of a football team leading his men into a head to head battle with their fierce competitors, men have always needed a strong and dignified leader to rally behind. After legends like Paul “Bear” Bryant and Gene Stallings, it takes a level headed, experienced, and dedicated individual to fill the big shoes of head football coach for The University of Alabama. Both Mike Shula and Nick Saban have had their chances at the position with some similarities and many differences. Although it seems Alabama football has always been on top, it is only until recently the Tide has changed. By comparing the statistics, the method of recruiting and the increase of game attendance one can begin to understand how much better the Tide is under Saban, as opposed to Shula.
Alabama football has been building its legacy since 1892 before many colleges were even in existence. Having won 12 national championships, it is no wonder the University of Alabama is known not only for its many all-American players, but also for the traditions set by past generations. And over the years, the Crimson Tide has become the beloved football team of many alumni and spectators around the nation. In the past decade, the Tide has not seen the glory it had once seen in the past with coaches like legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. Instead, Alabama has spent that time searching for a coach that could lead the Tide back to victory and maybe finally change the twelve national championships to thirteen.
One of the man differences between Mike Shula and Nick Saban are their game stats. Mike Shula and Nick Saban have both coached for Alabama for about three years, but that is all that they had in common. From 2003 to 2006 when Mike Shula was head coach, his overall record was 26-23, and his team never broke into the BCS top ten. Also in the 2005-2006 season Shula’s players allowed on average 297.7 yards for the season, they also only scored 22.9 per game and only reached an average of 335.9 yards per game (RollTide.com). When Saban was named Alabama’s new head football coach in 2007 he started a new era. In his second season of 2008-2009, his players allowed on average 219.7 yards per game, with an average of 30.1 points game and reached an average of 375.6 yards per game (Rolltide.com). He also managed to carry Alabama to the top of the BCS poll for five weeks in the same season. Besides the impressive stats Saban has managed to put up, he also lead the team to break Alabama 6 game losing to streak against in-state rival, the Auburn Tigers. It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago the Tide was losing to such teams as South Carolina, Arkansas, and Minnesota, and now we are Rose Bowl contenders.
A great football season starts in the spring with a great recruiting class. Convincing the most talented high school seniors to play for your team is no easy task. The difference in the recruiting results between Saban and Shula is immense. Mike Shula seemed to struggle with recruiting throughout his coaching career, only reaching a top number of 27 recruits (RollTide.com) for the 06-graduating season with only three of those players being in the ESPN top 150. After losing the battle for quarterback Tim Tebow, it seemed that Shula would have no recruiting success. The only real success that Shula had was the recruitment of Andre Smith. Unlike Shula, Saban has excelled in recruiting having had the number one ranked recruiting class two years in a row, thirty-two in 2008 and twenty-nine in 2009. With signees like Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, and Trent Richardson, it comes as no surprise why Alabama has had such success in years past. Even Saban's method to recruiting is more aggressive and strategic; he truly wants the best of the best.
Recent years have given many lifelong, diehard Alabama fans something to celebrate about. More fans are actually finding ways to make it to the games and give their support. When Shula was head coach game attendance in the 2005-2006 seasons was 70,670 per game and 282,679 for the whole year (RollTide.com). It has even been said that back then student tickets did not sell out for at least a month to two months which is mind blowing now a days. Now that Saban is coach and the victories are rolling in more fans are coming to Tuscaloosa to enjoy the games. In the 2008-2009 season attendance rose to 92,138 per game and 644,966 for the season just for home games (RollTide.com). That’s 20,000 more each game and almost 400,000 more per season in just 2 years. In addition to the increased attendance, the atmosphere on Saturdays seems to be a lot more upbeat and festive. Saban has managed to put pride back into the hearts of Crimson Tide fans everywhere.
It has become clear in the last few years which coach has done a better job here at the Capstone. Bama fans across the nation have come alive with spirit and now the country finally sees how good the Crimson Tide really is. Nick Saban has done a fantastic job so far and he intends to keep up the pace. For many die hard, lifelong Alabama fans, Nick Saban is a dream come true and his current success here at the university is undeniable. 
Works Citied
1. Rolltide.com; http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-results-archive.html