Nick Saban has a serious sense of humor, but it comes from a place of understanding.
As much as he was instructed on defense in college football, he knows the game has changed.
He stated how he recognized the power shift five to six years ago and hired Lane Kiffin to the University of Alabama to upgrade its offense.
Coach Saban said it takes more than defense and a rushing attack to win championships now.
During a call with the coaches in the Louisiana High School Association, Saban doubled down on his views as he joked on the modern offensive coaches being like “The Taliban or Al-Qaeda.”
Nick Saban doesn’t hold back his thoughts on offensive coaches changing the game. “You guys are all part of the Taliban man, you’re all part of Al-Qaeda.” 😂
(🎥 via @JamesALight) pic.twitter.com/sfVXj5RpRo
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) April 5, 2021
“You have changed our game and made it so hard to play defense,” Saban said on the call to offensive coaches. “I can’t sit in church without shaking my leg, or my hands start shaking because I am worried about what you guys are going to do next. So, I do respect you but I still think you are a part of The Taliban.”
Saban converted to offense in 2014, but his team dominated the sport in 2020.
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The Crimson Tide averaged 48.5 points per game — the most of the Saban era. Alabama recorded at least 40 points in 11 of 13 games, running the table to a College Football Playoff National Championship. The program captured numerous offensive awards, including DeVonta Smith as the Heisman Trophy winner. Alabama’s offensive line won the Joe Moore Award, Steve Sarkisian won the Broyles Award, Mac Jones won the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Year, Najee Harris won the Doak Walker Award, Smith captured the Fred Biletnikoff Award, and Saban was the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year.
The Tide had three Heisman finalists and five All-Americans on offense.
In hiring Bill O’Brien, Saban looks to continue Alabama’s offensive evolution.
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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.
