instead of comparing nfl talent, the greatest accomplishment Saban achieved was turning around a program mired in mediocrity. He changed the mindset of not only the players but its fanbase as well creating the shortsightedness we see here. When coaches step in where there's a history of losing it doesn't matter how great the players if they don't believe they can win. Somehow Saban accomplished this in 4 short years. Of course he will be worshipped, so to speak, since the lifelong tigers much older than myself appreciate such work to its fullest after waiting their entire lives in hopes of just a glimpse. saban deserves every success that follows this program from here out. that doesn't mean he cannot be replaced. that doesnt mean Miles cannot make his own mark. he took over a WINNING program with a mindset it could win it all. thats half the battle laid out for him. the other half is having the talent which he does minus a few overrated receivers it seems. now all he has to do is maintain recruiting and have the players believe in him which it seems they do thus far. Im still not sold on Miles' recruiting. the jury is out on that one because much of this is attributed to the prior staff and its successes. there's no way to differentiate who is responsible for whom just yet. this will play itself out the couple of years which follow....once Les has established his system. while i may doubt Les' coaching abilities or at least reserve judgment, its obvious the quality guys that he's surrounded himself has been a great strength. As good as Saban was he certainly wasn't going to surround himself with people he felt were his equal. god knows he thought no one was above him. so Les obviously plays to his strengths which seems to make up for his weaknesses. theres many ways to skin a cat and Les' path to 10-11 wins is not the same as St. Nick's but in the end who cares as long as LSU is atop the perch and contending in Atlanta on a yearly basis.
Ramah's back! And his reputation is improving! I give Coach Miles all the credit in the world for putting LSU where we are right now. Coach Mike Archer had a wonderful 10 win season before we realized that he was not the answer. Coach Les Miles may only be fairly judged after several seasons of football . . . and perhaps not until five seasons. PS Tenn sure DID piss in our bugle, didn't they? :hihi:
I didn't start this thread to be anti-Miles or anti-Saban either way. The main point is that Miles in 2005 has more talent than Saban did in 2000, but he's also winning more games than Saban did in 2000. So a harsh judgement either way on Miles can't really be made at this point. But people are still making harsh judgements. It's just too early. A combination of Saban's recruiting and Miles' coaching, wearing the purple and gold, beating the Gators, War Eagles, and Tide in one year is still plenty for me to cheer for.
I agree with Jean. It is way to early to judge Les. I'd like to see his next 2 recruiting classes & how they develop. Compare him after 5 years. Remember Dinardo. He started out OK & then fizzled (for a lot of reasons). But after 5 years he was done. After 5 years Saban was great. Let's wait 4 more to judge Les.
