Pure Alabama football fans love Nick Saban for many reasons, but the athletes that play for him have only one.
In talking to former Crimson Tide players, their favorite statement was “Coach Saban had my back. He’s a players’ coach. He was concerned about everything about us.” On Wednesday, fans, media pundits, and this team witnessed how much the Crimson Tide’s head coach is willing to defend his players. Saban provided a rant against ‘self-absorbed’ fans for the ages while his players stood behind him on social media. The primary message in his tongue-lashing was how fans have become entitled and ungrateful toward the team and the work they have put in.
This might be the greatest Nick Saban rant of all-time:
(via @UA_Athletics) pic.twitter.com/dZGTbHujpc
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 25, 2021
It was the most animated the 70-year-old has been all season.
After seeing Saban back the team, this could be a turning point for Alabama’s national championship run.
RELATED: WATCH: Nick Saban goes on epic rant about ‘self-absorbed’ Alabama fans
When a coach takes the heat for his players, they fight harder for him. Saban’s decision may have been calculated to create the identity and chemistry for the team. He has discussed several times how the group is searching for continuity. His words might have come at a moment where it completely pulls guys together. A fired-up Saban usually locks the Crimson Tide into high gear.
After a rant like that, players are ready to dominate Auburn, Georgia, and whoever else potentially comes on Alabama’s schedule in the College Football Playoff. Saban has been careful about what to say on this team because it is a young group.
The two marquee leaders – Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. — are sophomores.
Saban, like any father, refuses to let anyone talk down on his guys. Each player is a son to him, and he is about protecting them. We could now see a team clicking on all cylinders in the Iron Bowl. Alabama is about to be a dangerous unit now.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
