It's not like he's coaching a bunch of distinguished scholars and choir boys--he's coaching a semi-pro farm team for the NFL. Alabama is a football organization. When you go to Alabama, you are there to play football PERIOD. Academics are more of a nuisance, and you will be provided enough assistance and resources to make sure that you can remain eligible. Many of the other schools in the SEC & ACC are the same way (LSU, Florida State, Florida, Miami, etc.) in regards to the academic success of their football team.