“$80M Saban Would NEVER Allow This!” Ryan Williams’ Viral TikToks Have Bama Fans Screaming… Is the ‘Process’ Dead?
Nick Saban built a dynasty at Alabama — six national titles, nine SEC crowns, and a 17-year stretch that turned the Crimson Tide into college football’s gold standard. His “Process” wasn’t just a strategy. It was a lifestyle. Discipline. Grind. Zero distractions. And certainly no TikTok dances in the locker room.
But those days are gone.
In the first true culture shift since Saban’s retirement, Alabama’s new era under Kalen DeBoer is beginning to feel… looser. More relaxed. Maybe too relaxed, depending on who you ask. A recent viral video featuring Ryan Williams and his teammates dancing in the locker room sent social media into a frenzy — and had longtime Bama fans asking one loud, pointed question:
“What happened to the Process?”
While some supporters embraced the fun, others were furious. One fan commented, “Saban gonna be fumin’.” Another wrote, “This would’ve never flown under Saban. Ever.”
The sentiment is clear — this isn’t the Bama fans knew. The same fanbase that once saw 10-2 seasons as a failure is now watching TikToks go viral after a 9-4 campaign.
And while Williams’ charisma is undeniable and his dancing harmless, the real firestorm stems from a deeper concern: Has Alabama lost its edge?
To be fair, Coach DeBoer isn’t ignoring talent. Recruiting is still rolling. Four-star edge Jaquez Wilkes just named Alabama among his final five schools alongside Auburn, Florida State, Texas A&M, and Miami. He’ll announce his decision Monday. But the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine has Auburn way ahead, giving them a 97.9% chance to land him — with Bama sitting below 1%.
Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide are also scouting the future, offering 2028 WR phenom Brysen Wright after his jaw-dropping one-handed grab went viral during the NFL Flag Championship.
Still, all eyes are on what this new team feels like.
And if that wasn’t enough to stir the pot, a wild rumor briefly picked up steam: Nick Saban returning to coaching. But his daughter Kristen Saban shut it down instantly via Instagram, making it clear — the legend isn’t coming back.
Or is he?
Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd added fuel to the speculation, suggesting if Saban ever returns, it won’t be to college football. Instead, Cowherd boldly claims that the $80 million coach could end up in the NFL, possibly even coaching the Dallas Cowboys under Jerry Jones.
No confirmation. Just chaos. Exactly what Saban avoided for 17 years.
For now, Alabama marches forward with a new style, a new vibe, and new voices leading the charge. But for every locker room dance that goes viral, there’s one question looming over Tuscaloosa:
