Oof. I've been grieving for a few days.
Saban was our key to keeping him. The reason I never doubted his commitment was the head coach was always the selling factor. Not exactly square one here but its an even playing field for all four schools I think. In our favor Deboer is a great WR coach, grubb is the best OC in college football, and shepherd is the guy I wanted to replace Wiggins anyway. So there is a chance. Deboer and staff haveto be ready to talk serious ball with him next weekend and have a plan for him in their offense. Which is a perfect fit for him btw.
Our NIL strategy was only effective when Saban was on staff. We have to adapt, if we don't we have very little chance here IMO.
If we can bolster whatever offer he had, and our staff impresses him than its possible he's can be resold. Especially if his visit next week includes one on one time with Nick Saban.
Fwiw. We hired the right coach. And offensive roster guys/signees and commits should be excited about the future but our counter to aggressive NIL just retired and the only school left that can pull that off is UGA so long as they have Kirby. The offensive guys you see decomitting are doing it for one reason and thats straight cash.
Bama has to get more aggressive in that space to give Deboer a fighting chance on the recruiting trail. Period.
Fwiw, auburn is not a lock here either id predict he ends up at Texas, but hope for the best.