It appeared that for the longest time only one person could have Alabama head coach Nick Saban truly smitten, his wife Mrs. Terry (44 years, 1971). Saban, who is both disciplined and calculated, was nomadic early in his coaching career.
No collegiate program could keep its hands on him for more than five years, no one except for Alabama. He built solid teams at Michigan State and LSU, but would leave as both institutions were starting to peak. Four years with the Cleveland Browns (NFL) at defensive coordinator under Bill Belichick gave Saban confidence to take on a coaching job at Miami in 2005. Frustration would set in as his style did not vibe at the professional level, resulting in him exiting in 2006.
The term “visionary” is rarely used, yet it defines former Crimson Tide athletic director Mal Moore precisely.
Tuscaloosa (Ala.) has been more than football town in nine years under Saban, it has become a brand name. Consistent top-10 recruiting class, four Southeastern Conference titles, three national championships, two Heisman winners and two College Football Playoff appearances have brought life, hope, revenue and marketability to the city known as “Title town.”
Rumors of Saban going to Texas or back to the National Football League are a staple of offseason chatter and lack of air time. Regardless of financial gain, the truth stands as Saban’s heart has finally been melted. The once Grinch of college football has found its loyal dog to carry its sleigh up a tough hill every season. Saban approached the media this week during bowl preparation to address coaching rumors again. “I don’t ever see it happening,” Saban said per Chris Low of ESPN on a possibility of him leaving Alabama.
Young Saban could move from place to place.
Nomadic life seemed sexy and profitable, but at 64 years old, the dominant force of college football is now settled.
He has a wife, two children, a granddaughter and a mother all residing in Birmingham, Ala. “It’s not just the job. My life is here,” Saban told ESPN. Saban and company will enjoy the Christmas season, until it leaves for Dallas, Texas in a Cotton Bowl match-up against No. 4 Michigan State on Dec. 31.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
