The best programs in college football feed off the head coach’s energy.
Will Anderson Jr., an outside linebacker for Alabama, told reporters at SEC Football Media Days that he could not think about sitting out this season to prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft. Anderson loves the game too much to sit down. He loves his teammates, the competition, and all that comes with it. Anderson’s head coach, Nick Saban, has shared the same mindset since becoming a head coach in 1990. He enters his 16th season with the Crimson Tide in the fall and remains fiery to be on top of the sport.
RELATED: Nick Saban excited to have OL coach Eric Wolford build a line in front of Bryce Young
Saban discussed several topics in Atlanta on Tuesday — including NIL compensation, conference realignment, and his relationship with Jimbo Fisher of Texas A&M since the dust-up in the spring. The 70-year-old still enjoys the game and intense competition. He fell short of a national championship in 2021 as Kirby Smart and Georgia defeated the Tide at Indianapolis.
Coach Saban looks to return to the College Football Playoff, but he also wants to show he is not done coaching yet.
*Saban talks about how much he loves coaching at the 1:44 mark
“I love my job,” Saban said on The Paul Finebaum Show. “I love it. I love the relationships with the players, I love the competition, I love the preparation for the games, I just love it. I wish you all would ask all the other coaches that come up here because they tell the recruits I am going to retire. Why don’t you ask them how they know I am going to retire? All I think about is what I am going if I retire. I love what I am doing right now, so how am I going to be happy not doing it?”
Opposing coaches have used several things, including Saban’s age, to negatively steer recruits away from Alabama.
He continues to bring in top players, develop athletes, win championships, and produce NFL talent. Saban is as determined as ever to make sure the Tide achieves its ultimate goal. He is not stopping anytime soon as the game continues to fuel him.
*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.
