Two days after watching some of the “Alabama factor” be restored in a 35-16 win at the Citrus Bowl versus Michigan, fans of Crimson Tide football have something to reflect on.
It was 13 years ago on this day that a 55-year-old coach took to the podium at the Mal Moore Athletic Facility, in accepting the responsibility of leading the Tide back to prominence.
Nick Saban was that coach and it was Mal Moore who wanted it for him.
13 years ago today
Nick Saban was announced the Head Coach of Alabama #RollTide pic.twitter.com/QXH3FKgxrw
— Alabama DieHards (@AlabamaDieHards) January 3, 2020
Moore had a vision of getting the program back to winning national championships and he felt like Saban and his wife, Miss Terry, would be the dynamic duo. While he would have loved to coach Drew Brees and turn the Miami Dolphins into something special, Tide fans would not wish things any other way. He understood the pressure; however, Saban knew what he was capable of back then.
He promised a winning program and delivering a product that every supporter across the landscape would be proud to identify themselves with.
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Many people felt it could have been Steve Spurrier, Bobby Bowden or even Rich Rodriguez as the next man for Alabama, but Moore got his guy in the end. Since that moment, Saban has been accurate on everything he said.
He has made the Crimson Tide a perennial winner – earning five national championships and six Southeastern Conference titles.
With Saban, the program is a popular choice in recruiting. Aside from the 2018 and 2019 classes, every signing class for Alabama has won a national title. He’s made The Capstone into an NFL Draft factory and has even had multiple players win Super Bowl Championships.
He has also transformed the state as a whole, as Alabama has become more modern with technology and wealth has grown in areas.
Regardless of a few rough moments, Saban tends to find a way to bring the Tide back to the top.
Whether one likes it or hates it, he has made Alabama the most discussed, debated and talked about collegiate program in the country. As he looks at his 14th season next fall, Saban eyes national championship No. 6 with the Tide and seventh overall.
Others have caught up to him; however, he resembles Thanos of the Avengers in having all the power at his disposal.
Next season will be fun, but today is a moment to look at what Saban has meant to Alabama.
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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.
