More like he and all the other coaches sang to the NCAA to get an even playing field and not have to compete against cheaters.
I also wonder about all those wins against Fulmer when they weren't under "NCAA scrutiny". You mention that Fulmer didn't fair well, as if their cheating had nothing at all to do with all those wins. Kinda ironic that your whole statement on this kinda proves that AL could only beat Fulmer when they were cheating. Having to follow the rules due to being under "NCAA scrutiny" brought them back to reality where Fulmer apparently fared quite well.
You also seem very sensitive to my previous post about giving him 3-5 years. Well that's when all new coaches tend to get on the hot seat and fired. There's no denying that other SEC teams either are stronger or getting stronger and deeper with OK and TX joining.
Even with Saban staying it was going to be tougher than it has been to win the SEC. Now with a new coach that is going to be even harder still. On top of that, he's also going to have the added pressure of following not only a great coach, but the ghost of Bryant AND a fan base that's gotten spoiled with winning.
It can be done, but the odds are against him. It seems from your sensitivity to the subject that you know this too.