Joel Klatt says Nick Saban pulled a power move on Michigan
Nick Saban made an interesting move weeks before Alabama’s showdown against Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
Saban reportedly hired former Michigan linebackers coach George Helow. The move immediately caught Joel Klatt’s eye, noting the significant power move that Saban made for the Crimson Tide.
“That (move is) unbelievable,” Klatt said on “The Joel Klatt Show” on Monday.
Not only did Saban fill a coaching void that was left behind by Coleman Hutzler — who went on to become Mississippi State’s new defensive coordinator — he made a move that Klatt said would do as well.
“By the way, if I’m Alabama and Nick Saban, this is absolutely what I’m doing,” Klatt said.
Klatt noted that Helow will now be sitting in meetings and telling the Alabama “about everything that Michigan does,” including the Wolverines’ defense and how it was built, the team’s philosophy, coaching dynamic and more.
“I’m going to get in trouble for saying this, but this is a lot better than having some grainy cell phone footage from across the field,” Klatt said. “You get a coach that was in their building. It’s like tell me about everything they do. You’re our employee now.”
Klatt said that when it comes down to it, Saban “continues to be the best.”
“(Saban) leaves no stone unturned,” Klatt said. “He is constantly thinking of ways to gain an advantage and continue, as he puts it, to provide value. This is brilliant. He’s got the resources to do it.”
No. 4 Alabama (12-1) will square off against top-seeded Michigan (13-0) in the Rose Bowl game on New Year’s Day. The contest, which will determine who will move onto the national championship game on Jan. 8, is scheduled for 5 p.m. on ESPN.