This week, legendary college football coach Nick Saban revealed the five favorite players he coached and explained his reasoning. While appearing on the popular podcast The Pivot, Saban shared that he always had a strong connection with the players who spent time in his office discussing football, as it allowed for deeper relationships.
Saban retired from coaching before the start of this past season and transitioned into a commentary and analyst role with ESPN. Despite officially stepping away from his long-held position as Alabama’s head coach in 2024, he has remained highly visible and has shared insights into his career that he may have kept private before retirement.
What Did Nick Saban Reveal on The Pivot Podcast?
Saban explained that he appreciated players who frequently visited his office, as those conversations created learning moments and strengthened his relationships with them.
“I like the guys that were always in my office because they were screwing up. So, I got closer to them, you know. We had more conversations,” Saban said.
Nick Saban’s Five Favorite Alabama Players He Coached
When asked to name his favorite player he ever coached at Alabama, Saban, in a departure from his usual reluctance to single out individuals, responded with five names. His willingness to answer the question reflects a more candid and open side of his personality that fans have seen since his transition to media.
Instead of naming just one player, Saban listed five from his time at Alabama:
“Favorite player to ever coach? Yeah, I don’t know. Julio [Julio Jones] was great. Derrick Henry. Tua [Tua Tagovailoa], I always liked Tua. Rolando McClain. And the other one I always liked was Reuben Foster,” Saban said.
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All five players have had or are having successful NFL careers:
- Julio Jones is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers of the 2010s, recording 914 receptions, 13,703 yards, and 66 touchdowns.
- Derrick Henry was dominant this season, rushing for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns.
- Tua Tagovailoa battled injuries but made the Pro Bowl in the 2023 season.
- Rolando McClain and Reuben Foster were both standout linebackers at Alabama, with Foster earning a Pro Bowl nod in the NFL.
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