re: What is it about Nick Saban that makes him such an extraordinary Head Coach?

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Best evaluator of talent this side of Jimmy Johnson

Players are put in correct positions where they can thrive. Lots of players change positions with him and then become stars.

Preparation. There is nothing a team does he's not prepared for.

Hands on. I had a chance to visit one practice. He is all up in the defense. Every detail is scrutinized and he is NEVER satisfied.
He had punt returners just catching punts that day. Just one rep after another and one returner extended his arms to catch a punt and Saban went apeshite. He used every 4 letter word known to man 3 times over. Told the returner to get off his field. Never saw the kid again.

Biggest one- he is THE voice. Nothing, nothing happens that he doesn't believe in. He is the beginning and end of the program and everybody from the d coordinator to the grounds crew knows it and nobody questions him. Nothing is done by committee. He chews his assistants arses more than players. There is one voice and he leaves no doubt he is in charge.

He plays ball the right way. Stop the run, Run the ball and don't turn it over. Be sound in the kicking game. Simple formula that has always won football games. Stop the run, Run the football.

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This is an excellent assessment. People wouldn't believe how much he mirrors Coach Bryant in his coaching philosophy.