Shocker! Former Saban assistants are telling recruits he’s retiring (spoiler: he ain’t)

Bud Elliott at the mothership posted an interesting article about the ways that Alabama is battling negative recruiting over Saban’s age. It’s a good read, and this little nugget stood out in particular:

None wanted to name schools on the record, but multiple said the two schools most frequently making the claims are coached by former Saban assistants in the SEC. Interestingly, in-state rival Auburn was not mentioned as trying to use Saban’s age against him.

How effective is the tactic? It depends on who you ask.

Hmmm, two schools coached by former Saban assistants, eh?

As we have been telling you for some time, Kirby is a spiteful little man who engaged in rather underhanded tactics from the moment he left town. He is undoubtedly one of the two mentioned. Your other candidates:

Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M - Jimbo is a long time removed from being an assistant for anyone, coaches in Saban’s division, and is undoubtedly trying to stop some of the inroads Alabama has made in the Lone Star state recently. There seems to be a mutual respect between the two men, but how far does it go?

Jeremy Pruitt, Tennessee - Obviously has to play Saban every year, has already gone head to head over a couple of recruits, and has work to do to build Tennessee’s brand back to where it needs to be. Having coached at Alabama last season, he would have more credibility where inside information is concerned. Would he risk burning a bridge at his alma mater, though?

Will Muschamp, South Carolina - Boom doesn’t go head to head with Alabama for many recruits, but it’s been a long time since he worked for Saban and is very close with Kirby. Hard to believe he would use tactics that could improve Georgia and Tennessee, however.

So, who do you believe the guilty parties are? Vote and leave your reasoning in the comments.

Roll Tide.