re: Is Nick Saban the luckiest coach ever?

The era has certainly helped him.

Under the old poll system Saban would have less than half his titles.

He certainly wouldn't have a 2011 championship as LSU would play some Big12 team in the Sugar Bowl; probably wouldn't have 2003 as USC was #1 in both polls heading into the bowls and no team in the history of polls has ever won their bowl game and dropped their #1 ranking.

2012 probably wouldn't have that title because AP voters didn't give a shite if you were on probation.

2017 Bama wouldn't be voted #1 as they would've played a lesser opponent in a lesser bowl.

So the era has been kind to Saban...

2003
2011
2012
2017

Championships don't happen under the old Poll system and old bowl alliance. I bet Bobby Bowden sure would've liked to coach in this era instead of the 90's - he would've liked the do-overs after the Miami losses. And I'm sure Carroll would've liked the playoff format.