Love him or hate him, Nick Saban is truly one of a kind.
Widely-considered the greatest coach in college football history, the sport just won’t be the same without seeing Saban marching on the sidelines this coming fall.
So glad I kept this video. #RollTide and thank you to the GOAT 🐐 Nick Saban! pic.twitter.com/T0S2hTilvh
— Matt 🐘 (@MelonMatt93) January 11, 2024
Don’t get me wrong – I don’t mean to sound too dramatic.
Of course, Saban won’t be a complete stranger. We all know that he loves cameras almost as much as he loves his Little Debbies.
Set to join ESPN’s ultra-popular “College GameDay,” Saban will remain a presence in college football (and our lives) for several years to come.
Saban every Saturday pic.twitter.com/B96cDsbfdZ
— Pick6 (@Pick6) February 7, 2024
Having said that, other than the coaches and fan bases of rival SEC programs, nearly everyone will miss him ranting and raving on the field in his never-ending pursuit of perfection.
Speaking of which, we all know about his beautiful lunacy, but we don’t often get to see the humorous side of Saban.
We know it exists. We see flashes here and there. However, only those closest to him can actually confirm that the intense Saban has a legitimate funny side.
Nick Saban said, “It Takes What it Takes.”
There is no secret to SUCCESS.
– Grit
– Culture
– Resilience
– Hard work
– Dedication
– Leadership
– Great habits
– Commitment
– Connectedness
– Competitiveness
– Trust in teammates— Greg Berge (@gb1121) April 1, 2024
One of Saban’s best-ever players, running back Derrick Henry, recently shared a story depicting that side of him.
Appearing on The Pivot, Henry spoke of how annoyed Saban was at the constant celebrations by Tide players – and decided to call out the team for it in a film session…
“He’s (Saban) pulling up and he showing everybody saying ‘You guys, you stop doing all that showboating. Doing all that prayer heads and act like you thanking God. And then later on at night at 12’o clock you down there smoking black and mild and drinking,” Henry said while bursting out laughing.
Derrick Henry Tells Story About Nick Saban’s Thoughts On Players Showboating And Prayer Celebrations, When He Knew Guys Would Be Out Smoking Black & Mild And Drinking Liquor At 12am. pic.twitter.com/3v13hhR0Pd
— Poetik Flakko (@FlakkoPoetik) April 2, 2024
While Saban wasn’t necessarily “trying” to be as funny, it certainly came off that way.
Of course, Henry enjoyed a remarkable college career under Saban in Tuscaloosa.
He won the Heisman Trophy and was an absolute workhorse on the national title team that beat Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers in 2016.
Since 2007, only three non-QB players have won the Heisman Trophy:
Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, and DeVonta Smith.
All played under Nick Saban at Alabama. pic.twitter.com/JlelY4m5wa
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) January 6, 2021
Henry would go on to be drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round (#45 overall!) of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Considered one of the best – if not THE best – running back of this current generation, Henry just recently signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
Bill Belichick on Nick Saban.
GOATs.
— Savage (@SavageSports_) January 10, 2024
What are your thoughts on Saban’s surprising decision to retire?
Did the wild world of NIL and the transfer portal drive him out of the sport?
Will you miss him on the sidelines? … Or do you hate him and are thrilled that he’s finally gone???
My job would definitely miss me, Because they will now have to beg someone else to come in, or do it themselves!
— Jimmy Hayes (@Jhayes_87) April 1, 2024
