If Saban is so great he would've turn Michigan st around. It took him going to hot bed talented places for him to have the success he has today (LSU and Alabama). Everywhere Urban been he has won ( Utah, Florida, Ohio St). Is Utah a hot bed for talent? No! Urban is genius. Urban is that one coach Saban dont wanna see. If Urban was still in the SEC Saban wouldn't be as dominate as he is today.
Saban didn't have immediate success at LSU or Alabama. He won the national championship in his fourth year at LSU and then his third season at Alabama, which was before losing in the Sugar Bowl to Utah in 2008 and going 7-6 the first year, in 2007.
He got the LSU job on the strength of leading Michigan State to a 9-2 season, with wins over Ohio State and Michigan that year. The Spartans were going in the right direction, for sure.