[Stoney]

The more I see how Nick Saban conducts business I do believe he stole something from Bears playbook. Both are well respected and egnimatic coaches. They both demand the utmost from thier players both on and off the field and both believe in making men out of boys. When Saban was introduced as the head coach many wondered if this was just another coach in succession of mistakes. I saw the brillance of the move and thought if anybody could stand in the Bears long shadow it was Nick. He possesses similar qualities and mannerisms that Bear had. Many people in the media thought Nick was rude but he is just matter of fact. He tries to take too much blame for what happens to the players off the field. Bear inspired his players to greatness and I think Saban is attempting to do the same. Nick is the first guy to truly understand how rich the tradition is at Alabama. While he would shy away from any comparisons to the Bear the fans remember and compare him anyway. Both are gentlemen who in every aspect of the word represent not just the school but the fans and the great State of Alabama. Next to religeon Alabama Football holds a near and dear spot to millions of Crimson Tide fans. Nick understands how he represents the best and brightest hope for the fanbase to gain respect and former glory. Thier is a certain pride in leadership and both Saban and the Bear have it. I can't help but think that if Bear Bryant were still around that he would whole heartedly approve of Nick Saban being at the helm of The Crimson Tide.

[vincesanity82]

Originally Posted by Stoney

The more I see how Nick Saban conducts business I do believe he stole something from Bears playbook. Both are well respected and egnimatic coaches. They both demand the utmost from thier players both on and off the field and both believe in making men out of boys. When Saban was introduced as the head coach many wondered if this was just another coach in succession of mistakes. I saw the brillance of the move and thought if anybody could stand in the Bears long shadow it was Nick. He possesses similar qualities and mannerisms that Bear had. Many people in the media thought Nick was rude but he is just matter of fact. He tries to take too much blame for what happens to the players off the field. Bear inspired his players to greatness and I think Saban is attempting to do the same. Nick is the first guy to truly understand how rich the tradition is at Alabama. While he would shy away from any comparisons to the Bear the fans remember and compare him anyway. Both are gentlemen who in every aspect of the word represent not just the school but the fans and the great State of Alabama. Next to religeon Alabama Football holds a near and dear spot to millions of Crimson Tide fans. Nick understands how he represents the best and brightest hope for the fanbase to gain respect and former glory. Thier is a certain pride in leadership and both Saban and the Bear have it. I can't help but think that if Bear Bryant were still around that he would whole heartedly approve of Nick Saban being at the helm of The Crimson Tide.

Theres no way in hell that Saban should be compared with Bear Bryant. Bear is a legend not only in Alabama but college football period. Sabans not even close to being called a legend..

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

Theres no way in hell that Saban should be compared with Bear Bryant. Bear is a legend not only in Alabama but college football period. Sabans not even close to being called a legend..

Look at thier careers Sabans is far from over. I think that given time Saban will be able to restore the Crimson Tradition bear started. Bear was in a league all his own granted but Saban is following in his footsteps.

[Lefty Noob]

No. It's not only fair, at this point in their careers, it's downright ludicrous to compare the two.
Yes, Saban's career isn't over. So bring this up after he wins a few more SEC titles and another national championship or two.

[Stoney]

Okay Lefty how did Bear fair when he was as far along as Saban is in his career?

[Lefty Noob]

Excellent question, Stoney.

BEAR BRYANT
1945 Maryland 6-2-1
1946 Kentucky 7-3
1947 Kentucky 8-3
1948 Kentucky 5-3-2
1949 Kentucky 9-3
1950 Kentucky 11-1
1951 Kentucky 8-4
1952 Kentucky 5-4-2
1953 Kentucky 7-2-1
1954 Texas A&M 1-9
1955 Texas A&M 7-2-1
1956 Texas A&M 9-0-1
1957 Texas A&M 8-3
NCAA TOTALS - 13 years, 91-39-9 (.700)

NICK SABAN
1990 Toledo 9–2
1995 Michigan State 6–5–1
1996 Michigan State 6–6
1997 Michigan State 7–5
1998 Michigan State 6–6
1999 Michigan State 9–2
2000 LSU 8–4
2001 LSU 10–3
2002 LSU 8–5
2003 LSU 13–1
2004 LSU 9–3
2007 Alabama 7–6
NCAA TOTALS - 12 years; 99–48–1 (.673)

I'll tell you what, Stoney... those numbers are a whole heck of a lot closer than I thought they'd be.

[Stoney]

Thanks for proving my point. Saban is on track to follow very closely in Paul "Bear" Bryants footsteps. I just hope he wins as many national titles for us.

[Stoney]

Okay I'm going to ask you guys to play what if....

Suppose Nick has an undefeated season this season and wins the title. Does this comparison change the hearts and minds of the media towards calling Saban a legendary coach and put him in the realms of the Bear and Joe Pa and Bobby Bowden?

[JRL]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Okay I'm going to ask you guys to play what if....

Suppose Nick has an undefeated season this season and wins the title. Does this comparison change the hearts and minds of the media towards calling Saban a legendary coach and put him in the realms of the Bear and Joe Pa and Bobby Bowden?

"What if" can't be played - Bama is going to lose at least 5 games next year

Nick a legend - whoa - his record is .673 overall - hardly a legend.

Saban does not have a lock on getting the most out of players nor does he have a lock on steering young boys into manhood. Stoney give us a break - the country is full of equal coaches - some even better at what you describe.

[Stoney]

Oh ye of little faith... You suppose that Alabama is going to lose five games. That won't happen. As a matter of fact it Alabama will win the West and contend for the SEC championship. I don't count Saban up there with Bear yet he still has to win national titles to convince the hard core Alabama fans. Of these "Equal Coaches" who are they and how many have national titles in thier resume?

[JRL]

Originally Posted by Stoney

The more I see how Nick Saban conducts business I do believe he stole something from Bears playbook. Both are well respected and egnimatic coaches. They both demand the utmost from thier players both on and off the field and both believe in making men out of boys. When Saban was introduced as the head coach many wondered if this was just another coach in succession of mistakes. I saw the brillance of the move and thought if anybody could stand in the Bears long shadow it was Nick. He possesses similar qualities and mannerisms that Bear had. Many people in the media thought Nick was rude but he is just matter of fact. He tries to take too much blame for what happens to the players off the field. Bear inspired his players to greatness and I think Saban is attempting to do the same. Nick is the first guy to truly understand how rich the tradition is at Alabama. While he would shy away from any comparisons to the Bear the fans remember and compare him anyway. Both are gentlemen who in every aspect of the word represent not just the school but the fans and the great State of Alabama. Next to religeon Alabama Football holds a near and dear spot to millions of Crimson Tide fans. Nick understands how he represents the best and brightest hope for the fanbase to gain respect and former glory. Thier is a certain pride in leadership and both Saban and the Bear have it. I can't help but think that if Bear Bryant were still around that he would whole heartedly approve of Nick Saban being at the helm of The Crimson Tide.

Enigmatic: Having a quality of mystery and ambiguity and so difficult to understand or interpret. You are welcome - if that is how you want to describe Nick.

[Stoney]

I think it is fair to say Nick is a throwback and doesn't do things the cookie cutter way.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Okay I'm going to ask you guys to play what if....

Suppose Nick has an undefeated season this season and wins the title. Does this comparison change the hearts and minds of the media towards calling Saban a legendary coach and put him in the realms of the Bear and Joe Pa and Bobby Bowden?

No. Lots of good coaches have had undefeated seasons and won a title or two.
Taking to different schools to an NCAA title would be an impressive feat, but I still don't think that puts him in the Bear's or Paterno's class.
What's the key? Longevity. He's on pace to possibly, one day, reach that kind of status. But he needs to do it over time.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

No. Lots of good coaches have had undefeated seasons and won a title or two.
Taking to different schools to an NCAA title would be an impressive feat, but I still don't think that puts him in the Bear's or Paterno's class.
What's the key? Longevity. He's on pace to possibly, one day, reach that kind of status. But he needs to do it over time.

I agree with what you're saying Lefty I think the longevity of the coach at one school determines his success. Bobby Bowden once described a coach being like a oak tree a nut that just held its ground for a long while. In his opinion to be a great coach you find a program and stick with it.