Alabama football could remain in contention with any of these coaches

No. 3: Dabo Swinney (Clemson Head Coach)

If Saban had retired 3-5 years ago, Dabo would've been the clear #1 on any list with a sizable gap behind him. However, Swinney has run into a bit of tough times (comparatively to where Clemson was in the six previous) over the last three years. Swinney has also taken a stance against NIL and the Transfer Portal that Alabama would have to work through with him as a candidate.

What's still the case however is: A. Dabo has arguably had more success against Saban/Alabama than any other active coach, B. He's a great developer, C. He played at Alabama and got his coaching start there. He's an "Alabama guy".

Dabo was a receiver at Alabama from 1990-1992, and coached at Alabama from 1993-2000. He eventually ended up at Clemson as an assistant before taking over as Head Coach in 2009.

Swinney struggled for a bit at getting over the hump, but eventually led Clemson to a stretch from 2014-2020 where the Tigers made the College Football Playoff every season and won 2 national titles (over Alabama in both games), while winning the ACC every year.

However, Clemson has gone 30-10 in the three years since (and has lost their strangle-hold on the ACC), but Swinney is still a strong coach who would seemingly do well with the improved resources at Alabama. Swinney has a 170-43 record as a Head Coach (all at Clemson).