You only get one chance to make a first impression. But when it comes to Alabama coaches, it’s the second look that has set the recent greats apart.
Nick Saban’s 7-6 debut season is swept under the rug. Instead, his 16-year dynasty with Alabama started when he led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated regular season during his second year in 2008.
It’s the same story for Nate Oats. While his first season was cut short due to COVID-19, Alabama basketball all but certainly would have been left out of the NCAA Tournament had there been one in 2020.