The problem is with the way things work now, you could have a lot of talent out the door before you hire a coach. Of course you make the wrong hire, by the time you've made a switch all the Saban talent is gone.
I was for Spurrier last time around, which apparently Alabama could have had. They almost had Rich Rod though, which was far worse, but they got Saban who was far better (though Spurrier probably could have won a couple titles at Alabama before he hung it up, he had South Carolina playing good football).
After Lanning... of the realistic possibilities, I'm leaning Dabo. I was enthused about Lanning, Kiffin and Sark have coached so long with fairly limited success, I don't know if they'd Pete Golding Alabama or not.
Dabo is the Spurrier hire to me. If Kiffin the next Saban? Is Sark? Their resumes don't look like Saban's did at that point in their career, that's for sure.
Dabo looks a bit too much like Bobby Bowden to write him off. In 1981 Bowden went 6-5, he was also 60 at that point, old enough to raise some questions. So, Alabama doesn't make an obvious move in adding a highly qualified Alabama guy.
We will see though...
Edit: I will add this though, if Alabama interviews Dabo the line of questioning would have to be how he'd adapt to the portal and NIL. I think people underestimate how poorly positioned Clemson is to compete with NIL, they're not a blueblood. But Dabo would have to have a plan if he came to Alabama...
