The former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach, Nick Saban, is a legend for a reason. While it broke the heart of Kalen DeBoer and his squad when they failed to make it to his list of favorites, the covers are out now. Saban confirmed it was nothing but plain mind games on the Pat McAfee Show. All he wants to see is Alabama at the top. And he would make that possible by going a different way.

Because of this, the ex-HC praised Alabama rivals, the Georgia Bulldogs and the Texas Longhorns, for igniting the competitive fire in DeBoer’s army. No matter how bad the new HC felt, he has kept the door open for Saban.

How did Nick Saban pick up a clever motivational tool?

Last month, Saban was in the limelight, but not for reasons his former team could boast about. Instead, it was the other way round, as the legend’s comment left DeBoer’s tribe crestfallen. Why? After all, the HC they often looked up to tick off their rivals Georgia and Texas as favorites to play for the SEC championship instead of the Crimson Tide, which aired on ESPN. But here comes the truth. It was some cheeky reverse psychology for Saban. On Friday, August 23, the ex-HC was again part of the ESPN show. And here he came up with the truth, “Having to predict and make hypothetical decisions about who’s going to win a game…I’ve always hated that. I picked Georgia and Texas because it’s reverse rat poison for Alabama.”  

But what was the purpose of doing so? Saban confirmed, “It’s a motivating factor for them.” However, this stemmed from his own preferences. When he was on the throne, he hated getting picked up first or second since it plagued his program with overconfidence, robbing them of the desire to do their best. Even if DeBoer felt a pinch, he understands Saban’s only aiming for a gold star for them. 

Nick Saban’s continued influence on Alabama’s success

This is DeBoer’s debut season in the Tuscaloosa ‘hood. The new HC has yet to crack the code to drive the Alabama bus on the path to success. On this journey, there might be times when players would need some on-point advice. Here, all that matters is experience. And when it’s time for a knowledge buffet, Saban’s the go-to guru.

The coaching legend had held the Crimson Tide reins for not one, not two, but SEVENTEEN long seasons. And it’s no joke! This was enough for DeBoer to count on Saban for any advice his program would need, “I want to make sure that that connection is always there and that they always feel like they can reach out to the coach that recruited them… also that coach Saban knows he’s always got an open door.”

So what, Nick Saban gave up his badge as the HC? His coaching legacy keeps motivating Alabama’s future. He continues to serve in an advisory role for the Crimson Tide. However, he knows his boundaries, “I don’t go into the building. I don’t try to meddle in what they have to do. But I want them to know I’m there to help them any way I can.” Will Saban’s reverse mind-bending magic lead Alabama to the ultimate prize?