recruiting, an art form based on instinct and eye that Saban has codified into a business based on science and manpower. He's built a supplemental recruiting operation separate from coaching in which staffers focus exclusively on watching film and evaluating prospects against predefined characteristics for each position -- a receiver's height, an offensive lineman's reach, a pass rusher's flexibility. That operation is the muscle behind Alabama's 10 straight top-three finishes in ESPN's recruiting class rankings since 2008 and the inspiration for copycats nationwide.

"I don't think 10 years ago there were personnel departments," former Nebraska coach Mike Riley says. "I don't know specifically when Nick started it like he did, but since that time it's grown tremendously."

Working smarter

It's not just the number of coaches Saban has attracted; he's alsogetting quality.

Former head coaches such as Kiffin, Kevin Steele and Steve Sarkisian have lined up for relative grunt work in Tuscaloosa. In March, Saban brought in former Tennessee coach Butch Jones. His role? "An intern," Saban said, though Alabama lists Jones as an analyst. The Tide have also hired several former Power 5 coordinators in quality-control positions.

Butch Jones led Tennessee as head coach for almost five seasons. At Bama, he's an analyst -- or "an intern," as Saban called him. Marvin Gentry/USA TODAY Sports

And control is exactly what Saban emphasizes. Take, for example, the "one voice" model he popularized. His freshmen -- even an SEC offensive player of the year like QB Jalen Hurts -- aren't allowed to speak to reporters. That dates back to 1998, when Saban's