The legendary University of Alabama football coach, Nick Saban, has announced his retirement.
Saban is arguably the best coach in the history of the NCAA. Here are a few of his accomplishments:
- 7 National Titles (most by any coach in history)
- 11 SEC Titles
- Saban never had a losing record in his 27 seasons
- He will finish with a record of 292-71-1 (number 5 all-time wins)
- 49 first-round NFL Draft picks (most of any coach)
- 16-straight 10-win seasons (most by any coach)
- 109 weeks ranked number one in the AP Poll (most by any coach)
- 104 wins against AP-ranked opponents (most by any coach)
- The only SEC coach to have multiple Heisman Trophy winners
- Won a national championship in three different decades (only coach in history)
- 5x SEC Coach of the Year
Saban started his coaching career at the University of Toledo and was there for one season (1990). He then spent five seasons at Michigan State University and another five seasons at Louisiana State University where he won his first national championship in 2003. He switched over to coaching the Miami Dolphins in the NFL for two seasons, and then finally landed at Alabama in 2007.
It is obvious that Nick Saban is an incredible coach. However, being good at winning doesn't always mean that your players like you. If you want to know how Saban's players felt about him, you are in the right place. 34 people have made ratings for Coach Nick Saban on the 2aDays site.
Here is what verified athletes have to say about him:
“Best coach in the nation. No question.”
“He's the most honest and straight forward coach I've ever had. Most coaches say they also care about you as a man; however, he is the first coach I've ever had that lives by that statement every day. Always motivates his players and doesn't play favorites.”
“Coach Saban is the most elite football coach at any level. He expects a lot out of his coaches, players and fans. He understands what goals are and has created a system to reach them.”
“Always looking to do the little things to win. Very consistent and does what the players need to be successful in life and on the field.”
In an interview with former Alabama tight end, Hale Hentges, said of Saban,
“All joking aside, [Saban] does smile all the time out at practice. He loves spending time with the players and joking around with us.”
97% of raters would recommend Coach Saban to other athletes.
Based on our ratings and interviews, Nick Saban seems to be not only great at winning but also a great person to have as your coach. If you are good enough to play football at Alabama, then you know that it is going to be hard work and there are going to be big expectations. However, having a great coach to lead you on the way makes the process just that much easier.
Nick Saban's retirement announcement comes as a shock to most people. He seemed to cite his age and health as the main reason for his departure. Nevertheless, Saban leaves an incredible legacy behind him. He is an extremely well-respected coach, and I'm sure that most Alabama football fans are going to miss Saban just as much as the players.