Of the coaches who left (mostly) of their own accord, I believe either Coach Perkins or Coach Curry could have had a long, successful run as our HC if either had been able to fully embrace the job.Bryant - His way or the highway, A+
Perkins - arrogant, C-
Curry - mediocre, B-
Stallings - His way or the highway, A
Dubose - Cheerleader, D
Franchione - Snake oil salesman, C
Shula - Clueless, F
Saban - His way or the highway, A+
Kiffin, hopefully he is doing on the job training for HC.
Coach Perkins was just too restless professionally to stay in one place very long during the prime of his career, though he was certainly stocking the Tide with some serious talent before he left. He had the toughest act to follow, didn't handle everything in the best way, and never got comfortable in the job.
Coach Curry simply didn't have thick enough skin. 'Nuff said.
Fran could've gotten a long-term financial commitment out of the University had he wanted to stay, and I'm convinced he would've done "more with less" throughout the sanctions periods, but I don't think he could have recruited or managed the athletes need to win championships in the SEC, and his tenure would have ended just as it did at A&M. He's a mid-major or lower division coach, pure and simple.