When Mark Dantonio replaced John L. Smith, following a 4-8 season in 2006, Dantonio’s first team won seven games and reached a bowl game. When John L. Smith replaced Bobby Williams’ staff after a 4-8 season in 2002, his first team won eight games. When Nick Saban replaced George Perles after a program decline and a 5-6 season in 1994, Saban’s first team went 6-4-1 in the regular season and offered the sort of thrills and moments of hope that I think most fans are hoping for this fall.
Source: Lansing State Journal