Nick Saban is the centerpiece of everything when SEC football coaches come together for any type of media availability. While other coaches (ahem, Butch Jones) often make noise in their own way, Alabama's head coach is always good for reliable content for those who cover college football on a regular basis.
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Let's just say that his performance on Tuesday was no exception.
Saban was (repeatedly) asked about NCAA rule changes, most notably the concept of an early signing period, and he did not hold back. First, he was relatively polite.
Nick on early signing: “I don’t think some of these things have been thought out well.”
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) May 30, 2017
Then, it was clear that Saban began to escalate his frustration level and it showed in his quotes.
Saban on NCAA rule changes, including early signing period: "Sometimes we take a sledgehammer to kill a fly."
— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) May 30, 2017
By the end, it was evident that he was not pleased in the slightest.
I’ve rarely seen Saban as pissed as he is right now talking about the early signing period.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) May 30, 2017
Other highlights include the fact that he does not enjoy players transferring within the SEC.
Saban still against grad transfers going from one SEC school to another. "We had that rule until last year. It got pushed and we gave."
— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) May 30, 2017
It is easy to see why a head coach that is dominating in the way that Saban is would be upset by any proposed rule change. Still, he makes it plain that it isn't about Alabama specifically.
Saban said he’s not in favor of “free agency” within SEC transfers, even though it would help Alabama more than anyone.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) May 30, 2017
Nick Saban's thoughts will always carry a great deal of weight but, when it comes to player movement and the early signing period, we already know where he stands.
