Disclaimer: Yes, it’s the off-season, meaning it’s a slow time for us football writers. However, that does not mean we can’t still have a little fun.
For those not familiar with J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, the title may seem a little more satanic than intended. For others, it’s possibly why you clicked this article.
Over the years, Nick Saban has been compared to Lord of the Rings‘ villain, Sauron – also known as the Dark Lord:
https://twitter.com/sammyrhodes/status/550873170547204096
https://twitter.com/kas52per/status/818694764774170624
Basically what I'm saying is in my football themed 'Lord of the Rings' fantasies the role of Sauron the Dark Lord is played by Nick Saban.
— Jet Sweep the Leg (@DarthBuckeye) September 12, 2013
So, why is Nick Saban the Dark Lord of College Football?
To some, the meaning truly is satanic in nature. But, in others’ eyes, there are keen similarities (and stark contrasts).
In the book-based movie, the Dark Lord has garnered a powerful bunch of rings but is still in search of ‘the one true ring’. If he obtains this final ring, he can become the most powerful being in the world. In order to achieve this goal, he builds up an army of high-end ‘orcs’ – monstrous, gremlin-like creatures – known as the Uruk-Hai who do the dirty work on the battlefields. To lead the orcs, he empowers a wizard named Saruman.
In Nick Saban’s world, well, what can you say. He’s got five rings; four with the Tide and one from his time with LSU. While everyone besides ‘Bama fans hope to see him fall, another ring seems imminent.
His army? A roster of four- and five-star recruits – including a handful of NFL-caliber players. Additionally, many compared his hiring of Lane Kiffin to that of Saruman.
However, Saban has also drawn another comparison. The title of “Dark Lord” also refers to the well-known villain of the Harry Potter series, Lord Voldemort:
"Nick Saban is actually Voldemort. His horcruxes are national championship trophies." #StayWoke #Repost
— lOUIS NIX III (@1irishchocolate) January 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/bpelll/status/686778235972128769
In J.K. Rowling’s best-selling novels, Voldemort has divided his ‘soul’ into eight different objects in order to maintain immortality. Instead of orcs, his army consists of ghouls called ‘Death Eaters’, and other wizards. While Voldemort has a handful of assistants, he gets his hands dirty much more than Sauron does.
The idea is that Saban is attempting to win a total of eight championships, one for each part of his soul. His players are Death Eaters, and his coordinators are wizards.
Yet, what makes Nick Saban such a polarizing figure is how unassuming he looks. Looking at him, no one thinks ‘dark lord’, Voldemort, Sauron, or even the word villain. Immediately, you notice his size. He’s stands at just 5’6″ compared to Sauron – at 9’2″ – and Voldemort – at a little over 6’0″ (unofficially).
Nobody questions his drive for perfection, though. That, in addition to his outbursts on the sidelines, and the massive amount of winning, he has become one of the most disliked faces in the sport.
Everyone outside of Alabama wants nothing more than to see him fall from grace. The issue is, in this story, there is no Gandalf or Dumbledore to save the day.
Until someone comes along to permanently dethrone him, Nick Saban will continue to strengthen his ranks in Tuscaloosa. Black magic or not.
J. A. Weaver is a contributor for TD Alabama Magazine and Bama Hoops Hype. You can contact him via phone at 205-612-5060, or on Twitter @JAWeaver_TDALMag .
