This week, former Alabama head coach and current football analyst Nick Saban was awarded a Sports Emmy for his contributions on ESPN’s College Gameday. This recognition reminds the world that even in retirement, he’s still outworking everyone.
In light of his achievement, analysts Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman discussed how the coach securing another trophy is expected for someone so influential in the sport.
Nick Saban Adds Sports Emmy to Personal Trophy Case, Proving His “GOAT” Status
Nick Saban has proven to be an incredible college football coach. It turns out he’s pretty good behind television cameras, as well.
It was announced Tuesday that the former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach won a Sports Emmy for “Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent.” On3’s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman discussed the accomplishment on Wednesday on the “Andy & Ari On3” podcast.
“Emerging is a little misleading, I think, since Nick Saban’s been in our lives for decades, but he was fantastic on GameDay,” Staples said. “Well-deserved Emmy, but it’s one of those things that’s like, ‘Okay, he’s already the best college football coach of all time. Like, does he have to be great at this, too?'”
Wasserman was also complimentary of Saban’s work, mainly pointing out the surprising amount of personality he displayed in his new position.
“The coolest thing about Nick Saban was that we saw, or a lot of people saw, personality-wise, that they didn’t know was in there,” Wasserman said.
“Because he’s very funny, too. And I just thought that finding somebody to be in the position, there’s nobody on Earth that you would rather hear from when it comes to both football and football-related topics,” he explained.
“And I know Fox Big Noon used Urban Meyer in that type of category, where… they have some former coach who’s won national titles in there breaking down film.
RELATED: Nick Saban Adds Sports Emmy to Trophy Case for Role on ESPN’s College GameDay
“But in terms of the actual off-the-field conversation — I think any coach can go onto GameDay and break down tape for people because that’s what they do all day. But I think there’s a certain level of respect and inherent trust that people have in Nick Saban to break down the issues because he had to live through them,” Wasserman continues.
“And not only did he live through them, he adapted through them so well that you trust his expertise.”
Wasserman also compared Saban to Donald Glover, the actor, comedian, and rapper who has seemed to find success in each endeavor he chooses. Saban can add his Emmy to a list of feats that includes seven national championships, a bevy of SEC titles, and the fact that he’s had the most players drafted to the NFL out of any other college coach.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
