From everything I've heard, Saban is considered to be one of the most brilliant defensive geniuses in the NFL. Bill Belichick is going to be tested this season (at offensive coordinator) now that Charlie Weis is gone. I don't think his coaching will result in another Super Bowl. Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennell are the one of the best in the business at what they do and the New England Patriots were a primary example of what GREAT COACHING and a GREAT TEAM (and team play) can do when put together. I think the odds are stacked against Belichick and for once I don't think he will be able to overcome it. Saban and Belicheck would be the best two comparisons of any two coaches. They did a pretty good job in rebuilding Cleveland when they were there together. They didn't turn them around immediately, but their philosophy made them a better team and they did a great job of rebuilding them (especially that defense). As for what they do differently, I think there's a lot of comparisons but I think Saban has the advantage there with more knowledge and a more natural instinct. Saban likes to use a lot of zone coverages, he used the 3-4 defense in LSU, and he likes BIG SIZED physical Linebackers as well as BIG SIZED Physical Corners. The similarities between the two are uncanny, while Belichick has the experience of coaching (head coach) in the NFL over Saban, I think Saban's biggest strength and biggest strength over Belichick would be his defensive knowledge. Both share the same philosphies and let us hope we have as much success here in Miami as Belicheck and the Patriots had in New England.
