Just an opinion.
Saban will coach another 6-10 years.
Kiffin could become a legit candidate. Smart nor McAlwain will leave for Bama. They both sit on recruitng goldmines. When Saban leaves, Bama will not recruit close to the same with anyone that we are now familiar with but Kiffin, Dabo or Pruitt. Only Kiffin will be able to consistently recruit nationwide.
Dabo will likely not be hired for coaching reasons. He's not dim-witted by any means, but he's not as bright as Saban, Kiffin or Pruitt.
Yes, Pruitt could become a viable candidate. IMO, he's a great coach, a definite upgrade over Smart. He's a great recruiter and he's driven. He's already made a breathtaking improvement in his public persona in just the last 3 years. When he left for FSU he sounded like a simple, ungrateful, loose canon and rube. At least at the yearly Coordinator press conf he almost sounded polished. He is already adopting a more dignified, HC-like face - he's aware and subtly auditioning. He may not appear polished enough for those hiring, but IMO, he will become a candidate in the minds of many during the next few years. Maybe viable to the ptb.
But what do I know, I once thought Cristabol would become a candidate. In reality the whole Bama football world may be very different by the time Coach Saban retires.
