Nick Saban has managed to adjust to the changing landscape of college football at every turn.
Saban turned 72 years old Tuesday, and he is still going strong as the head football coach at the University of Alabama. He joined “The Pat McAfee” Show Thursday, and he was asked how he stays in a ‘manner that is relatable to this generation’ at this point in his career.
“I think the sort of key to it all is you want players to respect you,” Saban answered. “There was probably a time when we all coached with a little bit more intimidation to create fear, so people would do things the way we wanted because they were afraid not to. I know that’s how it was when I played. But I think now, and I enjoy this so much more. You really want players to respect you. So, you’re trying to teach a player to do something and he sees that it makes him better. So then he has a respect for you. Because he has this respect, he doesn’t want to disappoint you. You’re helping him, but yet you’ve created a relationship with him that makes him want to do things at a high level for you on a consistent basis because you helped him get better, and I think that’s my philosophy for the last 15, 20 years. I don’t know. It makes coaching fun, and I think it makes it more fun for the players.”
Saban’s coaching style has continued to pay off for the Tide. They are 7-1 ahead of a game against the LSU Tigers on Saturday night.
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