Nick Saban stole the show at SEC Media Days, entertaining the largest audience of media members outside of SEC Commissioner Mike Slive and using his entire allotted 40 minutes to discuss a wide range of topics.
The Crimson White talked to Ivan Maisel, ESPN senior college football writer, to get his thoughts on Alabama’s head coach, as well as Alabama’s chances in 2012.
The Crimson White: What were your general impressions from Nick Saban at Media Days?
Ivan Maisel: Sometimes he comes out in a defensive crouch, and [at Media Days] he did not. Every year he’s at Alabama and the more he has settled in there and the more success he has had there, the more relaxed he’s been in a media setting. And that’s always good because when he’s relaxed and gives you his honest thoughts and opinions on issues in the game, I always learn something. He’s a smart guy.
CW: Do you think Saban has found a landing point at Alabama after bouncing around for much of his career?
IM: Absolutely. He and [his wife] Terry both are very happy in Tuscaloosa. He has said time and again this is his last stop. He signed a long-term contract, and you have to take him at his word. He has now been in Tuscaloosa longer than any of his dozen plus jobs in his career. So, I think he’s there for the long haul, and Alabama and he are fortunate to have each other.
CW: What do you think Saban means, not just to Alabama, but college football in general?
IM: He’s certainly the most successful head coach in the game right now. The record is clear on that. He’s taken Alabama and turned it into what Alabama people think it ought to be. He’s done it without the NCAA being on his butt. He’s represented the University well. I think he is at peace with where he is.
CW: He took a jab at Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delaney, saying, “If you’re taking a shot at conference champions, you’re taking a shot at the SEC.” What are your thoughts on conference champions in the new playoff format?
IM: Well, he’s right. Clearly, the conference champion issue did not come up until Alabama won [the national championship]. A lot of people believe that that was a kick-start that got us to a playoff. The issue of conference champions was only discussed – the commissioners agreed that that should not be the case. I think that was the right decision. Everybody moves on.
CW: What do you think Alabama’s chances are for a repeat?
IM: I think they’re very good. The two issues they have [are], LSU has more incentive because they got that close and then played poorly. So, if you think of Alabama in ‘08 and how they played against Florida and Utah and how that goaded them to perform better in ‘09, LSU’s in that boat. Plus, that game is in Baton Rouge. Aside from that, he’s got a lot of experienced players. Lost some good ones, but he’s got a lot of experience coming back and players that know how to win. I think it’s going to be a very good year again.
