Yesturday, Nick Saban, former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, arrived in Tuscaloosa Alabama to be welcomed as the new head coach of the legendary SEC Crimson Tide. He was greeted by a swarm of excited Crimson Tide fans shouting, "Saban time" as he stepped off the plane. Since then, I have heard nothing but scrutiny, criticism, and in the case of Auburn fans, all out low blow comments. "He has no credibility," said one Ole Miss fan in distress. "If he is stupid enough to take the job, then he gets what he deserves," said on particularly mean Georgia fan. "You may have a new coach, but since you have no talent, I do not see why it matters much," said one Tennessee fan.
For all of these "haters" and pessimists, allow me five minutes of your time to outline the highlights of his college coaching career. If you will give me that much, than I will give you his credibility, what he deserves and all the talent you can handle.
Let us begin with his tenure at Michigan State. He came in when Michigan was under investigation from the NCAA because of bad behavior under preceeding coach, George Perles. He had a huge part in improving the Michigan State program. In 1999 Michigan State finished SECOND, thats right, I said SECOND, in the Big 10 Conference with a 9-2 record. It should be noted that a 9-2 record was the best record for Michigan State since 1966 (33 years ago!) Oh, an one more thing about that year: Saban let Michigan State to the school's highest poll ranking, #7, since 1966 as well.
Furthermore, and yes, there is more, he defeated #1 Ohio State, ON THE ROAD November, 1998 earning him and the team an invite to the Florida Citrus Bowl.
I am sure you are not convinced yet, so lets look at his success at Alabama rival school, LSU. When Saban arrived in Baton Rouge, he inherited excellent talent (thanks to the good recruiting of Gerry Dinardo) but he also inherited an 11- year long slump. However, Saban coached the team to an 8-4 season and a Peach Bowl victory. It should be noted, that same year, LSU upset Tennessee and arch nemisis Ole Miss in Oxford. He also coached LSU into breaking a 31-year long losing streak against none other than Alabama.
He led LSU to an SEC Championship in 2001. He also won the BCS against the Oklahoma Sooners in 2003. Oh yeah, one more thing, he also won the NCAA Coach of Year. In his college career he has wan 91 games, lost 42 and one tie. Now, that is what I call a record.
If you are not convinced that Alabama is on the brink of a winning season, and a new legacy, than you are simply jealous. Chances are if you are a Georgia fan, Auburn fan or Tennessee fan, you are also scared. You had your turn, but now, it is SABAN TIME!!
For all of these "haters" and pessimists, allow me five minutes of your time to outline the highlights of his college coaching career. If you will give me that much, than I will give you his credibility, what he deserves and all the talent you can handle.
Let us begin with his tenure at Michigan State. He came in when Michigan was under investigation from the NCAA because of bad behavior under preceeding coach, George Perles. He had a huge part in improving the Michigan State program. In 1999 Michigan State finished SECOND, thats right, I said SECOND, in the Big 10 Conference with a 9-2 record. It should be noted that a 9-2 record was the best record for Michigan State since 1966 (33 years ago!) Oh, an one more thing about that year: Saban let Michigan State to the school's highest poll ranking, #7, since 1966 as well.
Furthermore, and yes, there is more, he defeated #1 Ohio State, ON THE ROAD November, 1998 earning him and the team an invite to the Florida Citrus Bowl.
I am sure you are not convinced yet, so lets look at his success at Alabama rival school, LSU. When Saban arrived in Baton Rouge, he inherited excellent talent (thanks to the good recruiting of Gerry Dinardo) but he also inherited an 11- year long slump. However, Saban coached the team to an 8-4 season and a Peach Bowl victory. It should be noted, that same year, LSU upset Tennessee and arch nemisis Ole Miss in Oxford. He also coached LSU into breaking a 31-year long losing streak against none other than Alabama.
He led LSU to an SEC Championship in 2001. He also won the BCS against the Oklahoma Sooners in 2003. Oh yeah, one more thing, he also won the NCAA Coach of Year. In his college career he has wan 91 games, lost 42 and one tie. Now, that is what I call a record.
If you are not convinced that Alabama is on the brink of a winning season, and a new legacy, than you are simply jealous. Chances are if you are a Georgia fan, Auburn fan or Tennessee fan, you are also scared. You had your turn, but now, it is SABAN TIME!!
