Why have other conferences caught up (and in some cases passed) the SEC? Coaching.

Urban saw the light first. I don't believe for one second that stepping away had to do with health. He knew he couldn't compete with Saban. Michigan hired Harbaugh. Clemson has Dabo. FSU has Jimbo. ETC. ETC.

Many of the best coaches are avoiding the SEC. Some will not (like Orgeron) because the money is too good. But Saban will ultimately Kill the SEC, IMO. Or at least set it back 7-10 years. Because the best coaches don't want to go to a middling program and try to recruit against and compete against Saban.

Tenn is a middle pack program. Generally going to hover around .500 or .650. Is the stadium larger? Yes. Is the money better? Yes. But at the same time, he is making a boat load and will have better job security. 20 Mil tomorrow isn't worth 30 or 40 million over the next 7-10 years with wins and fun.

Other conferences are catching the SEC because they have better coaching and they are getting better players in many ways (particularly QBs).

I hope he stays. He could leave. One thing I'm sure of, though: we are in a WAY better place for a transition away from Fuente than we were to transition away from Beamer. Its easier to follow the guy who follows the legend than it is to successfully follow the legend.