In January 2010 speaking during the University of Alabama post-season celebration of the Tide’s return to national championship prominence, Nick Saban stated the most significant words spoken about Alabama football in decades: “This is not the end, this is the beginning.”
Bequeathed by Alabama coaches Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas, Paul Bryant and Gene Stallings, four generations have shared a fundamental belief that no Alabama football season is a success unless it culminates in a national championship. The belief has been sorely tested more than once, but the belief has never been abandoned.
A Continuum of Expectation
Sustained success requires continuity and the Tide’s legacy were shepherded by Wade and his successor Thomas, who coached Bryant, who coached Stallings.