Complex and predictable seem somewhat opposed to each other, but I can certainly see where they can coexist. I've spent way too much time in my life imagining the best way to train football players and learn playbooks where they can automatically recognize what is needed without conscious thought. Being as I've never played or been involved in organized football in my life, the thoughts aren't very helpful to anyone. But I do think, especially at the college level, accomplishing that task is super critical to success.
When you consistently see delay of game penalties after a timeout, that's 100% on the OC. Staying in the huddle until :10 on the play clock and then hurrying into place to snap it with :01 left. And now you can't run presnap motion with that little time on the clock. After the snap, the QB is usually expected to make pro-style reads in a slow-developing offense, which is diametrically opposed to today's RPO meta.
And despite all the chess, BoB was stubborn when it didn't work (see Texas 2022 when they blew up half a dozen bubble screens). Not a lot of creativity in the run game - heavy on the inside runs, light on the traps and counters. Lots of slow-developing pass plays on 3rd down. When the fanbase just wants to run the damn ball, all of that is a mortal sin. Rees got back to just that which is why they were happy with him.
Are you really going to cite fans’ opinions and message boards as evidence? Have you ever read some of the posts on this board from supposedly a “smart” fanbase? Some of the worst takes and opinions in the world exist here.
BOB’s offenses ranked 2nd and 8th in OFEI. This year under Rees they were 20th.
Bama fans just weren’t used to not playing in the SECCG or CFP and needed to scapegoat somebody, so they picked BOB even though his offenses clearly weren’t the problem. They averaged 41 PPG in 2022 for God’s sake, 4th in the nation.
Alabama also replaced a #1 overall pick at QB (who was one of the highest rated QB recruits ever, just below Vince Young and Trevor Lawrence) with a glorified RB who can't throw a slant route.
I think they were generally okay with BoB until the Tennessee loss. Yes they scored a ton and the loss was the defense's fault - but to be tied and have the ball on the opponents 32 with 0:38 left, and waste zero of UT's timeouts, gain zero yards, miss the long FG and leave time on the clock and lose... was unforgiveable. Alabama runs the ball three times there and probably make the playoffs.
Sure fans are not the most reliable opinions out there, but BoB and Golding were pretty universally panned. Only coach I've ever heard more grumbling about is Geoff.