Regarding Saban:
I have no information other than what I’ve read on TideFans. But if we do win it all this year, I could see Saban retiring.
The lure of time with grandchildren balanced with lucrative and low-stress gigs in broadcasting and consulting would have to be strong. Just because he doesn’t want to sit at home doesn’t necessarily mean he’s still coaching.
Due to the threat of the transfer portal already mentioned, I could also see a simultaneous announcement of Saban’s retirement and the successor, including the successor’s coaching staff.
And yes, I could see Rees being elevated. As my off-board friend Isaiah 63:1 says, continued success after a legend retires is never guaranteed. But the best chance for that is elevating an accomplished lieutenant.
Further, I could see Saban agreeing to stay on in some capacity to smooth the transition. I’ve always thought the worst thing that ever happened to Ray Perkins was Bryant dying so soon. If Bryant had been around to round out some of Perkins’ rough edges, I think we’d all have been better off.
Regarding Division 0, or whatever it may be called:
I’m for it. I’d prefer the old pre-O’Bannon setup. But that’s as dead as dinosaurs, and I’m not going to be the old man yelling at clouds or Caligula commanding the tide not to come in.
Given the legal world we face today, I’m also for a collegiate analogue to the NFL Players Association. It would provide for a uniform approach to NIL across D-0. And being a labor union would come under the supervision of the NLRB.
Yeah, it’s government and I would prefer something else. But they have subpoena power and don’t play around with compliance with the contract. IOW, boosters beware….the Feds <> the NCAA.
Ask the aTm collective that the IRS nuked how that works.
It has drawbacks, but beats the current situation by light years.