Kirk Herbstreit is a longtime broadcaster for ESPN, calling major games for the network while also serving as one of the hosts for College GameDay on Saturdays in the fall.

It goes without saying, but Herbstreit has seen just about everything in the world of college football. He’s also rubbed shoulders and interacted with a long list of coaches, both past and present.

In a recent interview, Herbstreit revealed a pick for the favorite coach he’s had the chance to cover. He went with Alabama’s Nick Saban, but some of the reasons for Herbstreit’s selection might come as a surprise.

The broadcaster said he views Saban as a teacher and feels very drawn to the head coach:

“He’s also been a teacher, like a mentor really. Somebody that I really have always admired,” said Herbstreit. “I’m an old-school kind of disciplinarian myself so I’m drawn to him.”

Herbstreit went on to explain that he views Saban in a very different way compared to fans. He looks up to Saban for his wisdom and would even refer to the longtime coach as a friend.

“I see him so differently (than fans). I see him as a friend. I see him as a guy I can talk to if I’m having an issue in my life, he’s probably one of the first people I’d call because of how much his words mean to me. Because he’s not always gonna tell you what you want to hear, he’s gonna tell you what he really thinks. I’m just a big believer in wisdom and leaning on people like Nick Saban for advice and for guidance because they’ve been through so much in their life.

“So yeah there’s Nick Saban the coach that they all bow down to and then there’s Nick Saban the man who I’m just a big fan of. So yeah, he’s probably my favorite coach that I’ve ever had the chance to cover.”