Alabama fans are split. Not on the future, which new head coach Kalen DeBoer is attempting to brighten in the wake of Nick Saban’s shocking retirement, but on logos.
What is the definitive Alabama logo? We’re talking sports, obviously. Since 2004, the Script A, which bares a near-identical resemblance to the distinctive Atlanta Braves logo (sans the little curly hat on top), has become synonymous with the Alabama brand, both in athletics and academics. It’s safe, and perhaps a little bland.
My opinion: The Vault A is one of the greatest sports logos of all time. Why they bothered to change it up in the late 1990s, as Mike DuBose ushered in a new era, I’ll never know. Would you offer alternatives to the New York Yankees logo? The Green Bay Packers? The Detroit Red Wings?
Let’ not overthink it: That crimson block A with the elephant bursting through it is logo perfection, and somebody in the men’s basketball program knows it. “I do like the old ‘A,’” head basketball coach Nate Oats said during a press conference while commenting on the team’s alternate uniforms that featured the classic logo on the shorts.
But enough about us.
We asked AL.com readers on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), “What is your favorite Alabama sports logo?”
Here were your options: 1) The Script A (2000-present), 2) The Angry Elephant (2001-2004), 3) The Vault A (1974-2000). (And you can cast your own vote in the poll above!)
You responded immediately and passionately. We got more than 2,400 answers on Instagram alone, followed by more than 2,300 on Facebook. (For what it’s worth, here’s how the likes broke down on the individual Facebook photos: Logo 1 got 234 likes/loves, 2 got 88, and 3 got 363.)
One thing is certain: Few fans like the angry elephant logo (but those who do really love it). Ushered in circa 2000, it marked a transition for the Tide, with DuBose in his fourth season leading Bama.
Where fans are more split is the battle between the Script A and the Vault A. One is plain, simple, and globally recognized, representing the University of Alabama as a whole as well as the entirety of the Saban era, arguably the greatest run in college football.
The Vault A, on the other hand, is classic Crimson Tide. The elephant bursting through the block crimson letter stands apart from the other pretenders. That’s why you’ve seen the logo creep back into the Bama zeitgeist on various apparel like gameday polos or the aforementioned special basketball uniforms. Plus, it has the nostalgia factor -- it reminds a certain sect of the fan base of their childhoods and experiencing Alabama football with their loved ones.
Should Alabama scrap the Script A altogether, or has become the standard others try to replicate? Is the Vault A as good as some of us remember? Is that angry elephant misunderstood?
Below are a handful of comments left by fans on AL.com’s social media platforms. Read them all on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Matt Ciolo put his foot down: “Is 1 and that’s it. That’s Alabama.” Michael Allner agreed on X, the Script A is the brand. “Script A is the most known logo in college sports.”
Nancy Payne said on X, “Just the script A works for me. I’m stuck on tradition. I don’t see any reason to go back to the past logo. Let our actions speak on the field not in our costumes.”
Julie Russell likes it, too. “I like all three, but the script A is special, I think.”
Patrick Sims wants a mix of 1 and 3: “Honestly I’d like to see a combination of 1 and 3 just my opinion. I love the script A, but want the elephant incorporated.”
Randy Allen knows what the Script A represents. “Logo 1 is just plan & simple and powerful. That script A means business!”
One user called the script logo “soft.”
“It will always be #3,” said Adam Williamson. “#3 will forever be my favorite!” said Becky Bozeman. “#3 hands down CLASSIC,” another fan said. “Back in my days as a student (‘75-’80) it was #3. I’ll stick with that but still love them all,” added Liz Skinner Heald.
Cheryl Crider Clarke dissented from the majority: “Definitely not 3!”
While Adam Haynes picked 3, he said he likes them all: “Don’t understand the hate that #2 is getting.”
Trask Bennett used the moment to make a point about the fan base’s perceived aversion to change: “b b b but I thought change was prohibited due to tradition, logos have changed many times over the years but God forbid someone mentioning a slight uniform change.”
X user Jake Dillard said, “3 by a wide margin,” while George Dockery just below him said, “The script A.... Recognized world wide!”
User @GoatLatia simply asked, “Which one more championships?”
While logo 2 got the fewest votes, it definitely inspired some of the funniest responses.
David Clemons said on X, “Logo No. 2 just elicits memories of pain.”
@TheRealCruzOx said, “If you picked #2, I want you on my side during a fight because I know you’re not right in the head.”
@patrickdeavours said, “@The face that 2 is even on the board is insane and insulting.”
@genetherevelator went to bat for the DuBose/Fran era logo on Instagram: “3 the hardest but growing up I remember seeing 2 the most and it stays my favorite.” Paul Asbury said on X, “I feel like people don’t give #2 enough credit. I think there is just a negative connotation with it due to the era in which we used it.”
Patti Depalo doesn’t get it either: “Can I ask because I don’t know the answer, what is wrong with 2?”
On Facebook, Bill Austin said, “2 - leaves no doubt it is Bama and can’t be construed with Arkansas or other A beginning lettered teams.”
But we’ll sneak in one more. Dustin McKnight said it best on Facebook: “They should bring back 3 permanently.”
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