Nick Saban: One of Two Men in Sports to Earn his Money

When a player or coach completely earns his money in sports, he has accomplished a monumental task. Only two men in sports have done this. Nick Saban is one. The other will be revealed at the end of this article. We are about to explore the unparalleled journey of Nick Saban and how he has become one of the most respected figures in all of sports.

Alabama Hires Nick Saban

This was the shot heard around the world!

On January 3, 2007, Nick Saban officially accepted the head coaching position with the Crimson Tide. Alabama hired Saban for an initial eight-year deal worth $32 million, making him the all time highest paid college football coach at the time.

He was hired for one reason only -- To win an National Championship. To the Alabama faithful, not winning the National Championship is considered a total failure.

When he was hired, there was a party-like atmosphere in the entire state. Everywhere you went during the next several months, you would see people wearing their beloved crimson and white. The first thing that came to my mind was, "WOW! If this guy doesn't deliver, he will be the laughing stock of the ages."

Did he deliver? This is the understatement of all time. He won six National Championships over the next 17 years. And the years he didn't, he came very close. That was the best $32 million ever spent.

The Early Years: Building a Foundation

Nick Saban's journey to greatness began in Fairmont, West Virginia, where he was born on October 31, 1951. From a young age, it was clear that Saban had a deep love for sports, particularly football. He played quarterback in high school and showed tremendous skill and leadership on the field. It was during these formative years that Saban's passion for the game started to shape his future.

The Path to Success: Climbing the Coaching Ladder

After graduating from high school, Saban pursued a college education at Kent State University. While he was an average player on the field, his true calling was in coaching. Saban recognized that his ability to analyze the game and guide players to their full potential was his true strength. He worked as a graduate assistant at Kent State and then began his coaching journey.

Saban's coaching career took him to various universities, including the Ohio State University and the University of Michigan. He honed his skills, learning from some of the best coaches in the industry. Saban's expertise in defense and his relentless work ethic soon caught the attention of football enthusiasts across the nation.

The Turning Point: Becoming a Head Coach

In 1990, Nick Saban was appointed as the head coach of the Toledo Rockets. This was his first taste of being in charge of a team, and he made an immediate impact. Saban's ability to strategize and motivate his players propelled the Rockets to success. It was here that he laid the foundation for his methodology and developed his unique coaching style.

From Toledo, Saban moved on to become the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, where he continued to achieve remarkable success. He led the Spartans to bowl games and turned the program into a competitive force. Saban's dedication to his craft was unwavering, and his contributions to the sport were becoming impossible to ignore.

The Legendary Status: Dominance at Alabama

In 2007, Nick Saban was appointed as the head coach of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. This was the pinnacle of his coaching career, and he embraced the challenge with open arms. Saban's arrival heralded a new era of dominance for Alabama football.

Under Saban's leadership, Alabama has won an impressive six national championships, solidifying their status as a perennial powerhouse. His attention to detail, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence have made him one of the most successful coaches in college football history.

Achieving Extraordinary Success: The Saban Method

What sets Nick Saban apart from his peers is his ability to consistently deliver exceptional results. The "Saban Method" is a testament to his expertise, authority, and trust. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation, both on and off the field. Saban's attention to detail is legendary, and he is known for his meticulous preparation and game planning.

Saban also places a high value on accountability and discipline. He instills in his players the mindset of complete dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This commitment to the process has resulted in a culture of success that extends beyond the football field.

The Other Man Who Earned His Money

After the 1981–82 NBA season, Moses Malone became a restricted free agent. He signed a six-year deal for $13.2 million with the Philadelphia 76ers on September 2, 1982.

The 76ers were coming off a 4–2 loss in the Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers, and wanted that NBA Championship very bad. They knew that one man could get them over the hump.

Malone was signed for one reason -- To win a Championship. And did he ever! This was one of the most brilliant moves in the history of the NBA. The 76ers got the right man at the right time.

I suppose we can all say that the rest is history. The 76ers won the NBA Championship for the 1982–83 season by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in a four game sweep in the finals of that year, and Malone was the league's MVP.

Conclusion

Nick Saban's journey in sports has been nothing short of extraordinary. From humble beginnings to becoming a legend in the coaching world, Saban has earned his money through hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He stands alongside Moses Malone as one of only two men in sports who have achieved such great heights. Nick Saban's experience, expertise, authority, and trust make him a true icon in the sports industry, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.

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