Re: New Discussion Thread on Possible Coaching Changes...
Well this rapidly turned into a bash the state of Texas and city of Austin thread. It's okay, I will still happily buy any of you a beer if you're ever in Austin!
I've been to Alabama a few times and it was very nice. The only thing that was absolutely terrible was the design of I-10 through Mobile. Seriously, who did that? Four lanes down to two with an interchange in the middle of a very tight turn right before a tunnel and a bridge? Who thought that was good idea? That traffic was a billion times worse than I35 in Austin and I35 traffic is atrocious.
Back on topic, Texas' football banquet is tonight. Mack supposedly steps down over the weekend or Monday.
I agree on I-10. I don't think we're bashing the state of Texas so much as we're just saying "y'all ain't all THAT like you think you are". All things are relative, and the northeast laughs at y'all just like they laugh at us, so get over yourselves...thinking you're considered some cultural mecca. All things being relative, yes you are in some circles. But in the big pond in general (the U.S. as a whole) you're a footnote to true cultural elitists.
Yes, Austin is nice. Yes, it's a nicer town than Tuscaloosa if you're an average person looking for somewhere to live with things going on, etc., or if you're a tourist. There is NO comparison there. We get that. I don't dislike Texas or Austin. I have a nephew who lives in Houston, my sister lived in Dallas for many years. I like visiting there. But people keep bringing that up like Austin is the "happening" place and that should sway Nick Saban. There are few more culturally diverse and "happening" places than Miami, and they weren't happy there. The surroundings didn't make up for what they were disliking about what was going on at the Miami Dolphins.
We're talking about football culture, because that's the main thing in this decision. Texas is great, but it doesn't have the tradition of Alabama. Period. They have tons of money to throw around - more than Alabama. We get that. We also know it's not everything, and while Saban wants to be well compensated for his efforts, he also wants a place where he has the ultimate say, the ultimate control, a passionate fan base, tradition enough that he can make his mark on history. Now, Texas has a passionate fan base, plenty of money, and a pretty good tradition. But they can't give him the first 2 - ultimate say and control. Without that, he can't accomplish his goals.
Those things trump the groovy atmosphere in Austin - to the Sabans.
