Jan. 13—Nick Saban sent shockwaves throughout the state and sports world Jan. 10, when he announced his retirement as Alabama’s football coach following an unprecedented 17-season run leading the Crimson Tide to incredible heights.
During Saban’s remarkable tenure, Alabama won six national titles and nine SEC championships as the program transformed into a national powerhouse under the longtime coach, who won his first national championship at LSU in 2003.
Saban finishes with a 297-71-1 mark as a collegiate head coach, including a 206-29 record at Alabama.
His legacy and influence, however, will forever extend to Bryant-Denny Stadium and beyond. For many, the consistency of his unmatched work ethic — one that led to resounding success for the Crimson Tide — is something to be lauded by those involved in the sport from college down to the prep level.
Here are a few comments from local coaches and others regarding Saban’s retirement and impact on the game:
“It shocked folks, even though he’s 72 and had the energy he coached with. It’s a sad day for football. He’s meant so much to the game — to Alabama, to the SEC, to college football. His handprint is on the NFL, too. I don’t think you can measure his impact on the game. and I’ve said this before — we’d be a lot better off if he was running our country. The way he teaches you how to coach, how to play, how to live … if you apply those principles to life, it’s going to make things better.” — Athens coach Cody Gross
“His success is unparalleled. He’s the GOAT. To watch him do what he’s done for 17 years … I don’t think anyone can match the consistency of that success. Winning is hard and it’s getting harder. It’s just hard to get kids to play like that and maintain that level year after year. It’s hard to win championships and he’s done it seven times. He’s a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/limestone-county-n-alabama-reply-045900752.html
Author : The News Courier, Athens, Ala.
Publish date : 2024-01-14 04:59:00
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