I really liked Coach Shula, but I think he was in over his head and had NO experience in leading, organizing, recruiting, holding people accountable, no vision for the program, not Process Oriented, not willing to put in the time to achieve success, lacking intestinal fortitude, etc. I think Coach Shula is a Good man: family man and just a good human being. He is a very likable guy. Really, a handsome guy with a beautiful wife and family. I just don't think he had that FIRE in his belly to succeed at Alabama. I can still remember the deer in the headlights syndrome mentioned in many places and seeing that on TV during games.
When I was at the Mittittippi Tate game, in I think 2006, Alabama just did not look like the Alabama Crimson Tide that I had grown up loving. In that game, Alabama looked like Mittittippi Tate usually looks. I knew after that game it was time for him to go! I left that game very depressed that we were headed in the wrong direction. In fact I felt under him there was no direction for the program.
I'm just glad we got someone who knows what he is doing and is not conflicted about how to implement The Process. He'd been there and done that at Toledo, Michigan State, LSU, and he had a plan to implement to achieve success and that success has been far beyond my wildest dreams. The Man knows how to get things done efficiently, effectively, and productively. I do have unrealistic expectations that Alabama should win it all every year! However, I know that is impossible. You know, Winning never gets OLD. However, I know that one of these days I will CROAK probably while watching and pulling for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
In the future, Alabama Alumni and leaders at UA need to know that just anyone as a head coach at Alabama is not good enough. GOB's stay out of the way. Let Alabama hire the best in the business and let him do what is necessary: clean house if needed to implement his program. We need a Wade, a Thomas, a Bryant, a Stallings or a Saban type person. You can win and win BIG at Alabama if you know what you are doing. I think Coach Perkins tried but he did not possess the necessary skill set to win big time. We don't need a former player or a former assistant coach. We need the BEST in the business. It takes a special human being to assume the role of Head Football Coach at the University of Alabama.