After years of Mike Dubose, Dennis Franchione, Mike Price and Mike Shula, Alabama football needed a savior. Mired in mediocrity, the football team was a shell of itself. The glory days were history.
My head slumped into my hands as Alabama dropped its fifth straight to rival Auburn 22-15 in 2006. Seeing Tuberville raise five fingers signifying the number of victories in a row against the Tide made my stomach weak. Next, news came that head coach Mike Shula received the ax after an underwhelming season. Alabama had to make a home run hire.
Even though Alabama produced great players such as Shaun Alexander, Chris Samuels, and Andre Smith, recruiting was subpar.