Many individuals will argue that Nick Saban has refined “his
process” over the years and has a consistent, sure-fire formula for success –
largely because of his process. After
all, he often stresses “the process” when asked about success. Still others would suggest he has the best
players in the country. That’s more
difficult to argue.
I would strongly contend against the point regarding “process.” And I have first-hand knowledge about why Coach Saban just might be considered a players’ coach.
I was a back-up player at West Virginia University (WVU) when Coach Saban was a 28-year-old assistant, fresh out of Kent State. Although Coach Saban wasn’t my position coach, and I didn’t play as much as I hoped to, Coach Saban always showed respect toward me. Among other things, he always spoke to me by name and that still resonates.
I would strongly contend against the point regarding “process.” And I have first-hand knowledge about why Coach Saban just might be considered a players’ coach.
I was a back-up player at West Virginia University (WVU) when Coach Saban was a 28-year-old assistant, fresh out of Kent State. Although Coach Saban wasn’t my position coach, and I didn’t play as much as I hoped to, Coach Saban always showed respect toward me. Among other things, he always spoke to me by name and that still resonates.
During his time at WVU, many recognized that Saban might be
special. He was a perfectionist and grinder.
Two of my closest teammates and friends, Jerry Holmes and Fulton Walker were
coached by Saban at WVU. As defensive
backs, Jerry and Fulton knew what Saban expected, and he offered little
compromise. Saban helped each of them to
have very productive years in the National Football League. But here’s the twist – many believe that Nick
Saban is not a players’ coach. They
believe he’s all about “his process.” Jerry
and Fulton would suggest otherwise.
I don’t believe any coach or leader can have much success, at any level, if they don’t connect with their people. But I needed some validation regarding Coach Saban as a players’ coach.
About two weeks ago, I called Jerry and Fulton to inquire about the “players side” of Nick Saban. Each of them fully agreed and clearly felt that Coach Saban connects with his players. Going back to WVU, Jerry and Fulton said their coach would often ask about family, grades, and other personal interests. He had them in his home as guests, for food, conversation, and get-away time from football. Finally, Jerry said in an all too familiar way, “oh yeah, he knows how to connect and he really cares too.”
I don’t believe any coach or leader can have much success, at any level, if they don’t connect with their people. But I needed some validation regarding Coach Saban as a players’ coach.
About two weeks ago, I called Jerry and Fulton to inquire about the “players side” of Nick Saban. Each of them fully agreed and clearly felt that Coach Saban connects with his players. Going back to WVU, Jerry and Fulton said their coach would often ask about family, grades, and other personal interests. He had them in his home as guests, for food, conversation, and get-away time from football. Finally, Jerry said in an all too familiar way, “oh yeah, he knows how to connect and he really cares too.”
In safety, our processes are critically important and we
can’t function at a high level without them.
However, I’ll continue to argue that relationships – the connections made
with your people are at least as important, or more important than any safety process
you will ever embrace.
The next time you watch Nick Saban talk about the
process – don’t believe everything you see and hear. And don't be fooled by his public persona. At least not completely. Nick Saban knows how to connect and he cares
about his players. Coach Saban is a largely a great teacher, who builds
trust, which in turn creates great outcomes.
But in the end, it really is all about his people!
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