Two coaches stand at the forefront of the University of Alabama in football, where consistent winning is concerned, as Paul W. “Bear” Bryant (six) and Nick Saban (five) have combined for 11 national championships with the program. Despite the success of both individuals, and the former having a prestigious coaching award named after him, Saban has managed to win the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year honor just once in his illustrious career as a mentor.
The year was 2003 and Saban was the head man for the Crimson Tide’s most bitter rival in recruiting and championships, Louisiana State University. He coached the Tigers to a Southeastern Conference title that season and parlayed the good fortune into winning a Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship in its 21-14 win over Oklahoma.
Since arriving to Tuscaloosa in 2007, the 66-year-old has made well on his promise to give Alabama fans a product to be proud of. Saban has captured five national championships, five conference championships, a multitude of recruiting titles and has provided a plethora of opportunities for guys to be selected as a high draft picks for the National Football League.
While last season was the most intense of his coaching career, a happy moment for Saban came Wednesday as he was named to the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year list.
Congratulations, Coach Saban on being added to the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Watch List! #OutworkYesterday#RollTide pic.twitter.com/smc250JnIR
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 17, 2018
He’s unarguably been the most dominant figure in college football since 2008, and it is his success that has caused other institutions to self-implode in exhausting everything to beat him.
Saban will face another former assistant of his (third time this season) this week, as the Tide travels to Neyland Stadium to battle Jeremy Pruitt and Tennessee. Alabama looks to get its twelfth straight win over the Volunteers since 2007.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
