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Nick Saban responds to radio show caller who remarked he’s been calmer on Alabama sideline this season
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Nick Saban is one of the most consistent winners in college football history, but he’s equally as known for his fiery sideline outbursts and his sometimes-combative nature with the media.
It’s not often that a week goes by without the longtime Alabama head coach chewing out a player out for a missed assignment or, at times, his own assistants. That’s not to mention his occasional press conference rants.
But is the 71-year-old mellowing with age? A caller into his “Hey Coach” radio show on Thursday night named Jimmy certainly seems to think so, remarking to Saban that his disposition on the sideline and with reporters has appeared to be much more even keeled than in past years.
“Usually, one of my first prayers in church on Sunday is to pray that I don’t get mad, because a lot of times when I get mad, I do things that I wish I wouldn’t have done, I say things that I wish I wouldn’t have said, and I don’t make really good decisions and choices,” Saban responded. “So, this has been a lifelong sort of goal to not get too emotional, not get too upset. I think that sometimes it’s the kind of team you have. Some guys really need you to get on them. Some guys get…a little upset, maybe, and don’t respond when you get on them. It bothers them a lot.”
Does that mean the outbursts are completely a thing of the past? Well, maybe not.
“If you think me acting up on the sidelines and breaking headsets is gonna help us play better, I’ll sure as hell do it,” he joked.
Maybe that’s foreshadowing for Saturday, when the Tide visit Ole Miss. Alabama will be looking to avoid a 2nd straight loss after falling in overtime at LSU.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
