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Another day, another reason for Alabama critics to create a false narrative about Nick Saban. As I am sure you have heard, the Crimson Tide has had a bit of coaching turnover since the season ended. None of the assistants from the 2017 staff will be a part of the 2019 version. And quickly the villagers get out their torches and pitchforks to attack the castle.
Upon closer examination, the positive reasons for departures heavily outweigh those of a negative variety.
2015
| Coach | Position | Reason For Departure |
| Kirby Smart | Defensive coordinator, inside linebackers | PROMOTION: Head Coach Georgia |
| Mel Tucker | Assistant head coach and defensive backs | PROMOTION: Georgia DC (now Colorado head coach) |
| Burton Burns | Associate head coach, running backs | Retained |
| Lane Kiffin | Offensive coordinator, quarterbacks | Retained |
| Mario Cristobal | offensive line | Retained |
| Billy Napier | Wide receivers | Retained |
| Tosh Lupoi | Outside linebackers | Retained |
| Bobby Williams | Tight ends and special teams | Moved to off-field position |
| Bo Davis | Defensive line | NCAA issues |
2016
| Coach | Position | Reason For Departure |
| Lane Kiffin | Offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach | PROMOTION: Head Coach FAU |
| Billy Napier | Wide receivers | PROMOTION: Arizona State OC (now ULL head coach) |
| Mario Cristobal | Offensive tackles and tight ends, recruiting coordinator | PROMOTION: Oregon OC (now head coach) |
| Burton Burns | Associate head coach, running backs coach | Retained |
| Karl Dunbar | Defensive line coach | Retained |
| Jeremy Pruitt | Defensive coordinator, inside linebackers | Retained |
| Tosh Lupoi | Outside linebackers | Retained |
| Derrick Ansley | Defensive backs | Retained |
| Brent Key | Interior offensive line and special teams | Retained |
2017
| Coach | Position | Reason For Departure |
| Jeremy Pruitt | Defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach | PROMOTION: Head Coach Tennessee |
| Derrick Ansley | Defensive backs | PROMOTION: Colorado State, defensive coordinator |
| Tosh Lupoi | Co-defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach | Retained |
| Mike Locksley | Co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach | Retained |
| Joe Pannunzio | Tight end coach and special teams coordinator | Retained |
| Brent Key | Offensive line | Retained |
| Burton Burns | Associate head coach and running backs coach | “Retired” to off-field |
| Karl Dunbar | Defensive line coach | Personal preference; Move back to the NFL |
| Brian Daboll | Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach | Alleged personality differences |
2018
| Coach | Position | Reason For Departure |
| Mike Locksley | Offensive coordinator | PROMOTION: Head Coach Maryland |
| Dan Enos | Associate head coach/quarterbacks coach | PROMOTION: Miami OC |
| Josh Gattis | Co-offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach | PROMOTION: Michigan OC |
| Brent Key | Offensive line coach | PROMOTION: Georgia Tech Assistant Head Coach/OL |
| Pete Golding | Co-defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach | Retained |
| Jeff Banks | Special teams coordinator/tight end coach | Retained |
| Karl Scott | Defensive backs coach | Retained |
| Joe Pannunzio | Running backs coach | Believed to have health issues |
| Craig Kuligowski | Associate head coach/defensive line coach | Alleged personality differences |
| Tosh Lupoi | Defensive coordinator/outside linebackers coach | Alleged inadequacies as a DC |
The narrative goes that mean ol’ Nick Saban is a grumpy old grouch and hard to get along with. But when spelled out, the results come to a different conclusion.
POSITIVE
4 Former assistants left because they got head coaching jobs. (Quick math tells me that is one per year.)
6 Former assistants got promoted to coordinating jobs upon leaving Alabama. Three of those six are now FBS head coaches.
1 Former assistant promoted to Assistant Head Coach at his alma mater.
That is ELEVEN coaches who left for better jobs, seven of whom are currently FBS head coaches. I dare anyone to find a success level of any coach or program over the last four seasons that even approaches that.
NEUTRAL
2 Former assistants were moved to administration jobs within the University of Alabama (assumptively due to age).
1 Pending move probably due to age and health.
1 Personal choice
NEGATIVE
1 Former assistant was forced to leave due to NCAA issues.
1 Former assistant allegedly underperforming but left on good terms.
2 Former assistants allegedly had personality issues and did not want to buy into the Process®.