*except for the last 17 years.
Butch Davis's strengths were largely intuitive analysis - of people. That's something that you can't teach - if you don't have it - you can't learn it. An intangible that doesn't degrade.
By comparison, Nick Saban's strengths are largely intuitive execution - with people. That's something you really can't teach - if you don't have it - you really can't learn it. That too, is an intangible that doesn't degrade.
It's all about people - talent and potential analysis or a method of getting others to execute.
Richt doesn't have either. Nor do most coaches in the nation. Some do well as they walked into an ideal situation. Where Butch and Nick have their strengths - they'll work very well anywhere they go - and to a degree - they may be a bit heavy on their own intuitive skills - but both share a bit of the other's skills as well.
It's all about players. Either getting great talent with the burn to win - or getting great talent and demanding performance.
The best part is that rather as one ages, you normally are more informed, more skilled, better at your strengths, and more mindful of your shortcomings. You actually get better with maturity -
Only a dumbass - a relatively young one who doesn't know s*it from a snow shovel would assume otherwise. Due to inexperience - and a really ****poor circle of associates that have affected his own knowledge.
Butch is good to go. He knows his strengths, he knows his weaknesses - and he's old enough to admit that to himself.
Richt is a dumbass - stubborn to a fault - and just makes bad decisions.
Consistently - as THAT is what he is.