Nick Saban is not on the decline. In 2019, Alabama lost 2 regular season games to LSU and Auburn, and that was their first season of 2 or more regular season losses since 2010. As a result, Alabama was not selected to a BCS or NY6 bowl for the first time since 2010. Many people were saying Nick Saban and the Alabama dynasty was over, but Alabama crushed Michigan 35-16 in the Citrus Bowl to finish 11-2.
In 2020, Alabama went 10-0 in an all-SEC schedule, defeated Florida 52-46 in the SEC Championship Game. In the playoffs, Alabama pounded Notre Dame 31-14 and Ohio State 52-24 to win the national championship. That was only the second time that Nick Saban led an undefeated team to a national championship, and the only other such season was 2009.
In 2021, Alabama had close wins over 6-7 Florida, 6-7 Florida, 9-4 Arkansas, and 6-7 Auburn, but they won the SEC West becasue their only regular season loss was to Texas A&M. Alabama crushed an undefeated 12-0 Georgia 41-24 and smoked Cincinnati 27-6 in the Cotton Bowl CFP. This was the third all SEC National Championship Game, and Alabama won the first two over 2011 SEC Champion LSU and 2017 SEC Champion Georgia. This time, it was a reversal with SEC East Champion Georgia defeating SEC Champion Alabama in a the rematch of the SEC Championship Game.
Alabama typically loses one regular season game, and it's hard to predict who that team will be. I don't see a decline until Alabama loses two or more regular season games for at least 3 consecutive years. Until then, Nick Saban is still the greatest college coach of all time. If Alabama finishes undefeated and wins the CFP National Championship next year, I won't be surprised.
