Actually, the players liked and respected SABAN. I hear people on this board say he was an *******, When I meet him he was far from an *******, he even took extra time to answer fan's questions. The players I talked to said he cuts up and has a dry sense of humor. I think people may get their impression of him from the media. In person he is a pretty nice fellow. Miles is a personable guy, should be a good PR man and leader for the team.
I'm sure some players loved Saban, some were ambivalent and some hated him, just like most coaches. Carroll would be a great example of a players coach that has had a lot of success.
Pete Caroll is a players coach in college and, from all accounts, having a great time. And I'd take his results any day.