The college football landscape has changed drastically in the last few years, but it's reached a fever pitch with a report that a number of high school recruits weren't impressed with Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.
Yes, this is the same Saban who's won seven national titles, who coached in the NFL, and who is the overseer of a program that is essentially a funnel of talent into the NFL.
The Athletic published a piece in which it surveyed high school football players about their recruiting experiences, including with coaches.
Recruits decided to trash Nick Saban in cowardly fashion, and did it while hiding behind an internet shield.
Put your name on it if you want to trash a coach with seven national title rings. Weak behavior!
DETAILS: https://t.co/owcgdAMTpL pic.twitter.com/1LIc4af9Pm
— OutKick (@Outkick) January 4, 2024
Various questions were asked, such as about the nicest coach they didn't sign with and the "weirdest or most arrogant" coach.
One player said Saban was nicer than expected, though he didn't sign with Alabama.
That player said, "Nick Saban. He was different than I expected."
Another question posed was about the weirdest or most arrogant coach they encountered.
The replies from several players were surprising.
- "I'd say coach Saban. My mom wasn't happy with him. We were at a table eating and he acknowledged me, but not my parents. My mom said, 'If you're acknowledging my son, you should acknowledge me.'"
- "I didn't like (Nick) Saban. It was just the vibe."
- "[Jimbo] Fisher and Saban. Talking to Saban felt like talking to a robot. It didn't feel real."
It's been long speculated that Saban, 72, is nearing the end of his coaching run in college football.
The Crimson Tide lost in the first round of the College Football Playoff to the Michigan Wolverines, 27-20, in overtime.
"We got to the point in the game where we didn't have a lot of confidence in throwing the ball because of our inability to protect..
Michigan is really well coached & they did a nice job of defending us" ~ Coach Saban#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/DBaxu1f9eO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 4, 2024
It's fair to wonder if his experience with certain players is a reflection of how interested he is long-term in coaching college football. Still, Saban is regarded as one of the best college football coaches — if not the best — of all time.
We'll see what he chooses to do for the 2024 season.
