A Legacy of Triumphs, Adaptability, and Unmatched Greatness
11.01.2024 posted by Admin
Nick Saban didn't conclude his coaching career at its peak, and that's the only significant flaw in an illustrious college coaching history that surpassed all others.
That's completely fine.
In typical Saban style, he gracefully entered retirement, leaving little uncertainty that he remained unmatched at molding a team into championship form.
His final season, which he declared over on Wednesday as Alabama's coach at the age of 72, is likely to be remembered as the pinnacle of his coaching prowess.
The Crimson Tide faced early-season struggles, suffering a home defeat to Texas and barely scraping by South Florida. Quarterback uncertainties loomed, and the usual Bama confidence was nowhere to be found.
Predictably, speculations arose that Saban had lost his touch, a reasonable assumption for any coach extending deep into their AARP years (see: Bobby Bowden, Bill Belichick, and others).
Contrary to the doubts, Saban wasn't done. He was just getting started.
By the season's end, he transformed his team into one of the nation's finest, culminating in a remarkable upset of Georgia – ranked No. 1, two-time defending national champions with a 29-game winning streak – securing the Southeastern Conference title.
Had a few plays gone their way in the College Football Playoff, the Tide might have competed for Saban's eighth national championship.
Instead, Michigan triumphed in an overtime thriller at the Rose Bowl, advancing to a decisive victory over Washington for the national title.
Saban decided that their near miss was sufficient to satiate his relentless pursuit of perfection. He resisted any temptation to return for another season, recognizing this as a fitting conclusion to his career, perhaps even more satisfying than a championship.
“One thing that I told them in the locker room after the game, this is one of the most amazing seasons in Alabama football history in terms of where this team came from, what they were able to accomplish and what they were able to do,” Saban said.
“I just wish that I could have done more as a coach to help them be successful and help them finish, and all we can do now is learn from the lessons that sometimes failings bring to us.”
Moving forward, any lessons will have to be imparted by someone else.
Now, perhaps for the first time in his life, Saban can genuinely relax and enjoy life outside the pressure-cooker, alongside his wife of more than half a century, the unsung Ms. Terry. Maybe he can take a few moments to truly reflect on his achievements, although retrospection was never part of "The Process."
Even with seven national titles, Saban stands alone at the summit. No coach comes close to matching his impact since arriving at Alabama in 2007, tasked with revitalizing a program that had lost its way through the dark years of DuBose and Franchione and Price and Shula.
Tuscaloosa hoped for Bear Bryant Lite but got Bear Bryant 2.0.
By Saban's third season in the Land of the Houndstooth, Alabama was a national champion again – the first time in 17 years. Back-to-back titles followed in 2011 and '12, another in 2015, and additional triumphs in 2017 and 2020.
Even in non-championship years, the Crimson Tide remained contenders. They missed out in 2013 due to the infamous “Kick Six” loss to Auburn. The following year, they fell to Ohio State in a semifinal shootout of the first college playoff. There were losses to Clemson in national championship games and a setback to Georgia in another title clash.
Throughout, a few respected coaches seemed capable of challenging Saban's dominance.
Urban Meyer posed an early challenge, followed by Dabo Swinney. Eventually, Kirby Smart guided Georgia to a pair of national titles, seemingly gaining an upper hand on his former boss. However, Saban won their final meeting, delivering a final blow to anyone threatening the G.O.A.T.
Saban's greatness lies in the CEO-like manner in which he ran his "organization." Enduring principles – hard work, meticulous attention to detail, valuing the journey over the result – persisted through generations.
Certainly, he had his flaws. His temper occasionally got out of control, and he wasn't hesitant to confront those challenging his methods, especially in his early days at Alabama, which diminished his towering figure.
Yet, it was Saban's adaptable approach and willingness to embrace innovative minds that truly defined his greatness.
Initially a defensive-minded coach, he would have preferred winning games 3-0 but recognized the dominance of run-and-gun offenses in today's college game. When the shift towards winning 41-38 occurred, he adapted better than anyone.
In recent years, he expressed concerns about NIL and the transfer portal's influence on the college game but swiftly adjusted to ensure Alabama's continued success.
Saban also understood, better than anyone, that his organization thrived with a cadre of head coaches-in-waiting (or those awaiting their next chance) on his staff. He was never threatened by others' intellects, be it Smart, Steve Sarkisian, or Lane Kiffin.
All have achieved success on their own, but Nick Saban always stood above them all.
His like may never grace the sporting world again.
That's completely fine.
In typical Saban style, he gracefully entered retirement, leaving little uncertainty that he remained unmatched at molding a team into championship form.
His final season, which he declared over on Wednesday as Alabama's coach at the age of 72, is likely to be remembered as the pinnacle of his coaching prowess.
The Crimson Tide faced early-season struggles, suffering a home defeat to Texas and barely scraping by South Florida. Quarterback uncertainties loomed, and the usual Bama confidence was nowhere to be found.
Predictably, speculations arose that Saban had lost his touch, a reasonable assumption for any coach extending deep into their AARP years (see: Bobby Bowden, Bill Belichick, and others).
Contrary to the doubts, Saban wasn't done. He was just getting started.
By the season's end, he transformed his team into one of the nation's finest, culminating in a remarkable upset of Georgia – ranked No. 1, two-time defending national champions with a 29-game winning streak – securing the Southeastern Conference title.
Had a few plays gone their way in the College Football Playoff, the Tide might have competed for Saban's eighth national championship.
Instead, Michigan triumphed in an overtime thriller at the Rose Bowl, advancing to a decisive victory over Washington for the national title.
Saban decided that their near miss was sufficient to satiate his relentless pursuit of perfection. He resisted any temptation to return for another season, recognizing this as a fitting conclusion to his career, perhaps even more satisfying than a championship.
“One thing that I told them in the locker room after the game, this is one of the most amazing seasons in Alabama football history in terms of where this team came from, what they were able to accomplish and what they were able to do,” Saban said.
“I just wish that I could have done more as a coach to help them be successful and help them finish, and all we can do now is learn from the lessons that sometimes failings bring to us.”
Moving forward, any lessons will have to be imparted by someone else.
Now, perhaps for the first time in his life, Saban can genuinely relax and enjoy life outside the pressure-cooker, alongside his wife of more than half a century, the unsung Ms. Terry. Maybe he can take a few moments to truly reflect on his achievements, although retrospection was never part of "The Process."
Even with seven national titles, Saban stands alone at the summit. No coach comes close to matching his impact since arriving at Alabama in 2007, tasked with revitalizing a program that had lost its way through the dark years of DuBose and Franchione and Price and Shula.
Tuscaloosa hoped for Bear Bryant Lite but got Bear Bryant 2.0.
By Saban's third season in the Land of the Houndstooth, Alabama was a national champion again – the first time in 17 years. Back-to-back titles followed in 2011 and '12, another in 2015, and additional triumphs in 2017 and 2020.
Even in non-championship years, the Crimson Tide remained contenders. They missed out in 2013 due to the infamous “Kick Six” loss to Auburn. The following year, they fell to Ohio State in a semifinal shootout of the first college playoff. There were losses to Clemson in national championship games and a setback to Georgia in another title clash.
Throughout, a few respected coaches seemed capable of challenging Saban's dominance.
Urban Meyer posed an early challenge, followed by Dabo Swinney. Eventually, Kirby Smart guided Georgia to a pair of national titles, seemingly gaining an upper hand on his former boss. However, Saban won their final meeting, delivering a final blow to anyone threatening the G.O.A.T.
Saban's greatness lies in the CEO-like manner in which he ran his "organization." Enduring principles – hard work, meticulous attention to detail, valuing the journey over the result – persisted through generations.
Certainly, he had his flaws. His temper occasionally got out of control, and he wasn't hesitant to confront those challenging his methods, especially in his early days at Alabama, which diminished his towering figure.
Yet, it was Saban's adaptable approach and willingness to embrace innovative minds that truly defined his greatness.
Initially a defensive-minded coach, he would have preferred winning games 3-0 but recognized the dominance of run-and-gun offenses in today's college game. When the shift towards winning 41-38 occurred, he adapted better than anyone.
In recent years, he expressed concerns about NIL and the transfer portal's influence on the college game but swiftly adjusted to ensure Alabama's continued success.
Saban also understood, better than anyone, that his organization thrived with a cadre of head coaches-in-waiting (or those awaiting their next chance) on his staff. He was never threatened by others' intellects, be it Smart, Steve Sarkisian, or Lane Kiffin.
All have achieved success on their own, but Nick Saban always stood above them all.
His like may never grace the sporting world again.