I actually kind of doubt any kid currently committed to Alabama leaves them because of Applewhite going. Maybe a kid or two leaves, i dont know. It might impact the few kids they are still recruiting, but their class is pretty full and there isnt much room anyway. I dont think the big prize, Julio Jones, is going there anyway.
Long term I think this is a bad thing for Bama if Saban cant get a high profile coach to replace Applewhite. I sure would not judge Applewhite as a coordinator based on one season. I would love to have him at LSU as a qb coach.
Applewhite leaving bama will not look good and Saban's honeymoon with the Bama fans is ending. Anyway Saban or bama spins it, Applewhite leaving after one year to take a lesser job looks really bad for their program.