hey guys, while I think it's great that Saban is already getting a lot of media support as well as guys like Marvin and Dungy but I just feel it's WAY WAY too early to be discussing coach of the year candidates.
Every year there are teams that start VERY hot and then drop a lot of games. On the flip side there are also a ton of teams that start off poorly only to run off a string of 8-10 wins (ala the Pats a couple years back).
Basically like I said, it's great that the phins are looking good and Saban is so far looking to be the coach we thought he would ( I told everyone that I was going to wait until the beginning of next season before I went al gaga over Saban. I still want to see how he coaches thru injuries and a whole darn season. I also (as I've said in the past) want to see how he handles an entire offseason in charge of making the personnel moves and working with Weidmeir (sp?) on the salary cap.
I am very happy so far with the work he's done with preparation before games and his halftime adjustments (something we haven't seen a coach do around here since the early 90s with Shula..and my biggest pet peeve about JJ and his coaching tree). So I guess you could say that while I'm not shocked by this I am pleasantly suprised as he so far is living up to the high expectations that the media and us as fans have put upon him. And I actually like the guy's general demeanor and general thoughts on football and life (I finally read this last book of his. I got interested after listening to all his news conferences). So YES I am now a fan of his but certainly not ready to heap the Saban is God (that's never happen from me!) feelings that so many others on the board have stated and truly seem to feel that way.
As an actual Xs and Os football coach, I am getting what I truly did expect...a man who knows his sport. As a motivator, communicator, and teacher of the game.....this is what I am slowly coming around to (I thought he kinda had a big head when he 1st got here but no longer feel that way). Now, as I said above, I still need to see a full offseason or two to find out what type of GM he's going to be. So far So good though....
...as to the actual question about Coach of the Year....Unless, Cincy drops 5 or 6 I think that Marvin's got likely the best chance at winning it this season......However, If we make the playoffs...all bets are off. I think Saban will have an excellent shot at the title of coach of the year...If we win a playoff game (although that's not supposed to be a factor in the voting) I say he's a shoe in.
