Yes, this loss was without precedent.I understand it happened. The point is that it never has before. Saban has never lost by more than 14. This is unprecedented for Saban at Alabama.
The last time a Saban coached team lost by 14 it went to the first CFP the next year. He then went on to coach the next four teams to the championship game, winning in two of those.
The last 14 point loss before that was in 2010 and his teams won the next two BCS championships after three losses that season.
After 2010, coach this or that was going to outlast him and win more. Same thing in 2013 and 2014, then again in 2016.
Frankly, at this point that schtick is getting worn out and old.
For the love of Pete, the man has won SIX titles, five at Alabama over 10 years. He came up just shy of outright winning it or getting the opportunity three more times. Once, lost it on a last second pick play. Twice would likely have won it if one or two plays go the other way and they actually get in the championship game.
So excuse me if I dismiss the hyperbole as just that.
IMHO, two things are likely to make Saban retire other than health/family:
1. He is satisfied with his accomplishments and has no desire to continue his work or
2. He sees that he is no longer able to adapt and so can't give his players a fair opportunity to succeed with him at the helm.
I believe he has the awareness to see when either scenario takes place or Terry will open his eyes to it when the time is right.
I don't believe that time has come. That tells me he still has the drive and the ability to adapt.
And until that changes the rest of the college football world is going to have to learn to cope with his and Alabama's success.
One horrible loss doesn't change that.