Fact or Fiction: Saban the GOAT, Best Alabama Candidate, Lanning Returning to Oregon

In today’s Fact or Fiction, I look at three big recent topics in college football and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.

1. Nick Saban is the greatest coach of all time.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Duh. I know this is a dumb one, but Saban deserves the acknowledgment. I don’t know who No. 2 is, honestly. Maybe Bear Bryant, Bobby Bowden, or Tom Osborne, but who cares? No. 1 is retiring, and no one will approach seven national titles ever again, not in this day and age. Maybe Kirby Smart gets four or so and jumps up to No. 2 eventually, but beyond that, there won’t be anyone close to the goat. Saban’s SEC record alone speaks volumes — 145-30. That’s insane.

Dec 4, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart greets Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban before the SEC championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

2. Mike Norvell would leave the least behind of the top Alabama candidates.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Dan Lanning seems to be staying put, but among the rest of the candidates it’s Norvell who has the least to lose. Oregon and Washington are headed to be in the Super Two in the Big Ten, Steve Sarkisian has it good at Texas, Lane Kiffin is building at Ole Miss, Dabo Swinney has a great gig at Clemson with much less pressure, and DeMeco Ryans can’t want to trade in the NFL life for college football between recruiting, the transfer portal, and NIL. Florida State was told where they stood as a power by the college football selection committee. The ACC is a mess, and he’s taken the Seminoles as high as they can go. Following Saban is no fun, but getting out of Tallahassee wouldn’t be the worst option.

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell raises the ACC Championship trophy with his players after the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium.

3. Dan Lanning is making a huge mistake.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

The SEC seems to be the path to the national title even with Michigan breaking through this year, but following Saban at Alabama is a potential nightmare and career killer. Lanning has $20 million reasons (buyout) to stay where he is, and the move to the Big Ten has Oregon in the super conference they need. Washington almost won it all with much less in the Pacific Northwest, so there’s no reason to think Lanning can’t make a run or two.