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re: Which attributes enabled Nick Saban to be so successful as a HC?
Posted on 11/14/25 at 7:57 am to Hawgleg
Posted on 11/14/25 at 7:57 am to Hawgleg
quote:
Saban was average without the 50 best players on the field.
That cant be argued.
It can definitely be argued. The 2008 team that launched the dynasty didn't have the 50 best guys, and the elite players on that team were almost all freshmen. Y'all want to act like the SEC West Saban was coaching against were a bunch of try hard 3 stars. There was elite talent all over the conference.
0
Posted on 11/14/25 at 8:05 am to SPAGHETTI PLATE
Most here have already mentioned most things.
Ungodly machine like work ethic.
Not being results oriented, play each play as if it has a life and death of it's own and try to improve and the results will come.
Efficiency in everything (practice schedules, etc)
Obviously, a great defensive mind.
Ability to adapt (when the game changed with Hurry ups and RPOs, etc he adjusted his Defense and Offense)
BUT, one of the biggest things that I think gets forgotten is his focus on the mental aspect of the game. He basically could brain wash guys into working and thinking like he did. Brought in a lot of famous athletes to speak to players with his work ethic/mindset (Koby Byrant, etc) to never be satisfied. Alot of mental related training.
Cause he could do all he needed to, but if he couldn't get others to buy into doing it too it will be all for not.
GET YOUR MIND RIGHT!
Ungodly machine like work ethic.
Not being results oriented, play each play as if it has a life and death of it's own and try to improve and the results will come.
Efficiency in everything (practice schedules, etc)
Obviously, a great defensive mind.
Ability to adapt (when the game changed with Hurry ups and RPOs, etc he adjusted his Defense and Offense)
BUT, one of the biggest things that I think gets forgotten is his focus on the mental aspect of the game. He basically could brain wash guys into working and thinking like he did. Brought in a lot of famous athletes to speak to players with his work ethic/mindset (Koby Byrant, etc) to never be satisfied. Alot of mental related training.
Cause he could do all he needed to, but if he couldn't get others to buy into doing it too it will be all for not.
GET YOUR MIND RIGHT!
Posted on 11/14/25 at 8:10 am to SPAGHETTI PLATE
His absolute attention to detail and work ethic. The man simply would not accept mediocrity. He also concentrated on the mental aspect a great deal. Would often bring in sports psychologists and focus on the mental aspect of the process.
The GOAT. Can’t debate that.
The GOAT. Can’t debate that.
Posted on 11/14/25 at 8:19 am to SPAGHETTI PLATE
If Saban is the GOAT then it is because he coached at the last football factory in America. At UAT, Saban had an unlimited and unsurpassed budget for overall payroll, NIL, recruiting, gold-plated facilities and most importantly no pushback from the admissions office or the Bama administration. Bama football is only very vaguely associated with the University of Alabama and for all intents and purposes it is a totally autonomous organization. How successful would Saban have been at GA Tech, Purdue, NC State, Pittsburgh or any football program with any integrity or admissions requirements? He was just an OK coach at Michigan State and left there because the MSU administration would not bow to his demands. The point is, the drive-thru window guy at McDonald's could win 9-10 games every year at Bama.
Posted on 11/14/25 at 8:21 am to SPAGHETTI PLATE
Shirtest and best answer:
He had the best athletes and sympathetic conference officials.
He had the best athletes and sympathetic conference officials.
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