re: LSU Winning Percentage: Saban 78% Miles 78%

LSU Saban was a far cry from Gump Saban. He achieved greatness in year four and built a program, but he was ridiculously inconsistent. Unlike the revisionist historians would tell you of course. In year one (2000) he won 8 games with a roster loaded with future NFL players. I think he did a great job with that team. But the cupboard was FAR from bare.

In year two (2001) he somehow managed to win an SEC Championship WAY ahead of schedule. He still lost three games though, just for the record. That team had lots of good upperclassman (thanks Dinardo) and Jimbo had that passing game purring.

Year three (2002) was a total meltdown. Somehow, sandwiched between an SEC Championship and National Championship he managed to lose FIVE games. And was lucky to do that (Bluegrass miracle). Not to mention a colossal last minute meltdown against Arkansas (Miracle on Markham).And was outscored by the State of Alabama 62-7. SIXTY TWO TO SEVEN. Plus he melted down and bitched and moaned his way through the season and was generally unbearable.

Year four (2003) is how he is remembered, 13-1 and a National Championship. That was a dominant defense and a really great team. That was Saban's best moment at LSU and the year "the process" became legend.

Year five (2004) saw his team play like shite throughout. They were unwatchable at times, got destroyed by Georgia, and of course Saban went out like a chump to Iowa, again on a last second pass.

When Miles came in the roller coaster stopped. He won eleven, eleven, and twelve. Before he had a "bad" eight win season. Saban at LSU was indispensable for the program, but he was not "Gump Saban" by any means. He changed the mindset, he recruited well, but he lost WAY more and in worse fashion than people like to remember.