Chris Stewart Sports

10:00 a.m. CST - Some more reasons why the best is yet to come...

Monday I told you I thought that Alabama's Athletic Department might be in the best shape it has been in since the 1970's. Here are some reasons I feel that way.Obviously, it starts with football.

Not only is the perception of Alabama athletic success directly tied to how well the Crimson Tide is fairing on the gridiron, but in this case, it happens to be reality. 

Financially, the athletic department at the University - as it is at most Division schools - relies heavily on football to pay the bills. But at Alabama, it's so much more than that.

But if you think Nick Saban is a football-only guy, you are dead wrong. 

He personally appears at the freshman orientation function each year -something I am told that few, if any, football coaches have done in person over the years. He makes sure the incoming students understand how important their role is, and encourages them not to forget that their primary reason for being at Alabama is to do their best academically and not to waste the opportunity they have been given.

I also know of at least two coaches on campus that have told me Coach Saban has spoken to their teams, and has volunteered to assist their programs any way he can. He wants Alabama to be the best in everything - athletically and academically.

Here's another big athletic department addition in recent months that the average fan may not be aware of - Dave Hart.

UA's new executive director of athletics is a well-respected administrator nationally, who has returned to his alma mater at a perfect time, in the perfect role. Hart runs the day-to-day operation of the department - meaning everyone reports to him, and he only reports to Mal Moore. That frees up Coach Moore to do what he does best, which is to raise money and be the face of the department.

I'm telling you, regardless of how this football season wraps up, we are at the beginning of something special here at Alabama.