When you think of Nick Saban, many things may come to mind. The number of National Championships he has won, the way he has changed the Alabama Football program forever, how he recruits, the number of wins and more.
But I think there’s a really intriguing aspect to what Nick Saban has done since arriving in Tuscaloosa. He’s become a coach in the college ranks that has welcomed other coaches to Tuscaloosa with open arms. He has given them a landing spot while they rebuild their image and try to find their next leading gig.
Steve Sarkisian is the current offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide. Before arriving in Tuscaloosa, Sarkisian was the head coach for the USC Trojans from 2014-2015. But, personal choices and off the field antics cost him that job. In 2016, Saban added Sarkisian as an offensive analyst, which eventually landed him play-calling duties for one game against Clemson in the national championship.
Following that game, Sarkisian left to join the Atlanta Falcons as their offensive coordinator until 2018. And then this season, Saban welcomed Sarkisian back on his staff as offensive coordinator. To some, this move might seem ridiculous and unfounded, but for Nick Saban, it’s part of The Process.
And to be honest, I think it’s because that’s who Saban has proven to be. He is a man who believes in second chances. In fact, that’s even how he treats his players.
There have been several instances Saban has been criticized for what people perceived to be a lack of discipline for his players, including an instance regarding Cam Robinson.
Another prime example is current Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, who has a very close relationship with the Alabama head coach. Kiffin, who was the head coach at Tennessee and USC, eventually joined the Crimson Tide from 2014-2016 as the offensive coordinator.
Although his time at Alabama was short, it was enough to help him get back on his feet. He left the Crimson Tide for Florida Atlantic, where he coached for two years. In the process, he brought newfound success to the university, as they won two divisional and conference championships under Kiffin.
Now, Kiffin is the new head coach at Ole Miss, a program desperate for a face lift. And honestly, he is the perfect man for the job.
Kiffin knows Saban has a lot to do with that. Saban saw potential in him. He brought him in, handed him the keys to the offense and the rest is history.
Now, the two will meet on the gridiron again as head coaches next season. The last time the two met on opposite teams, the Crimson Tide beat Tennessee 12-10 back in 2009, the same year Saban won his first National Title at Alabama.
Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffen prior to the game against Kentucky Wildcats at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY SportsWhen you think of current NCAA D1 head coaches who coached under Saban, the numbers are mind blowing. At Alabama ALONE, current Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain, and Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt all coached under Nick Saban at Alabama are now head coaches at other NCAA D1 schools.
And that’s only while at Alabama. There are many other current head coaches who coached under Saban while he was at LSU and Michigan State.
But, that’s not all Saban has done. He has also become a coach to bring on a group of analysts, a position that was not really popular in college football until Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa.
Currently, Nick Saban has 12 interns on his staff this year at Alabama making a combined $610,000, including three prominent former head coaches.
There’s no doubt that Nick Saban is a college football mastermind. Some wonder why he has such a quick turnover with coaches. Some wonder why he brings on so many analysts, and some even wonder why he gives these coaches another chance. To that, I will simply say this: It’s just what Saban does, and it’s just who he is.
I think if and when Nick Saban ever retires, we will truly understand the legacy Nick Saban left behind. And it’s not just what he left behind in Tuscaloosa. Because every single player and coach who Saban helped will carry part of his legacy with them, and when you think about how many coaches and players have made their way to Tuscaloosa, it’s mind blowing.
Some of the media portray Nick Saban as this vicious and grouchy old man, but deep down, I think it’s very evident he’s a man with a heart full of grace and compassion. He cares about people. It’s why he mentors his players. It’s why he started Nick’s Kids. It’s why he seems to continue to welcome new analysts and assistant coaches in Tuscaloosa. And I think that’s why he’s still in Tuscaloosa.
It’s more than just a game for Nick Saban, it’s part of life. It’s part of who he is. And I think he’s just trying to help others achieve their potential, regardless if they’re a coach or a player. He believes in them, and will do whatever he can to help them.
Nick Saban’s process may not always makes sense, but it works. Because just when you think you understand it, you realize you don’t. And just when you think maybe the “dynasty is dead,” you’re proven it’s not.
After all, that’s the Nick Saban way. It may not always make sense, but there’s a reason he’s one of the best coaches to ever coach the game. And he will continue to be. Because it’s more than a game, it’s part of his life. It’s a family, and a community. And that’s what family does, help each other in time of need. And that’s exactly what Nick Saban has continued to do, help those in need. And it’s one of the many reasons why Nick Saban’s legacy will forever live on, because he has instilled in into every single player and coach that have come to Tuscaloosa.
It’s the Saban way.
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