How about Meyer, Les Miles, Mark Richt, Kirby Smart, or any good coach.  Most of them had a breakout 3rd year.
Alabama was in a pretty bad spot prior to Saban.  People forget that.  Granted, I think cheating helped Saban a little as well.  I am still convinced Alabama paid players in that 2007-2008 recruiting classes.
The key for this year was the loss @ Florida to Sunbelt Billy.  It was what ruined this season.  That made the season a disaster.  No reason to lose that game.  I am fine with Heupel and direction of overall program but let's call a spade a spade, this season wasn't a good season.