I was around when Coach Bryant had his first decline from 67-70 and there were billboards from Bama fans declaring that "the old gray Bear ain't what he used to be", wanting him gone. There were many who wanted him gone. Then of course from 81-82 it happened again. As usual, the female fans were the best "true fans", who almost always "support the team, the coach, the players". Their expression was, "thank you Coach for 25 great years". They helped put the focus in the right place, not on the dysfunction that characterized the end of his run.
This, of course, was before the current media environment. If fringe Bama fans do it again, if and when Coach Saban's run declines, the ugly exposure (including running with rumor and innuendo rather than waiting for substance) will be far worse and observed with greater delight by Alabama's legion of enemies. They will likely be rewarded with what they deserve - a program that will have a hard time finding a good coach to enter a toxic environment. (It's going to be tough enough as it is.)
The debt Alabama fans owe Coach Saban is incalculable and can never be repaid in full. Part of what can be paid is patience and understanding, giving the benefit of the doubt, etc. during any tough times.