Nick Saban’s brief stint with the Miami Dolphins is often remembered as a missed opportunity, a chapter that stands out in stark contrast to his illustrious coaching career. While Saban managed to achieve a respectable 9-7 record in his first season, the Dolphins’ performance took a nosedive in Year 2, finishing at 6-10. This disappointing outcome prompted Saban to return to college football, where he would ultimately find monumental success with the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, one pivotal offseason decision could have reshaped both the NFL and college football as we know it.
What If? The Brees Dilemma
During a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast, Saban shared insights into a fascinating “what if” scenario that could have changed the course of football history. The Dolphins were on the verge of signing Drew Brees after he was released by the San Diego Chargers. Imagine the implications! Brees, a quarterback who would go on to lead the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory and etch his name in the record books, was almost in Miami. Yet, a failed physical derailed the deal, leading the Dolphins to opt for Daunte Culpepper, who was nearing the end of his career.
What if Brees had passed that physical? Would he have flourished under Saban’s leadership? It’s a tantalizing thought. Brees was already in the Dolphins’ locker room, ready to sign, when the news broke. “He was [in Miami]. He was all set,” Saban recalled. “The last thing before you sign a contract, you go get a physical. So I’m like, ‘This is all done.’ Then, they call me on the phone and say, ‘We don’t think he could play.’”
The Physical That Changed Everything
The situation escalated quickly. Saban had consulted with Dr. James Andrews, a renowned surgeon who had operated on both Brees and Culpepper. Dr. Andrews assured Saban that Brees would be fine, while expressing concerns about Culpepper’s mobility. “Drew Brees will be fine,” Saban quoted Andrews as saying. “Daunte is going to have a hard time… I don’t know if he’ll ever fully get it back.”
With this information in hand, Saban was ready to make a move. “So, I’m saying, ‘Let’s go get Drew Brees.’ He’s a free agent. We’ve got to trade for Daunte. Better deal to take the free agent and still keep your second-round pick.” But the Dolphins’ front office was hesitant. They couldn’t risk signing a player who might not be able to play at a high level. “You can’t call up the owner and say, ‘Hey, we’re going to sign this guy and give him all this money,’ and he might not be able to play, right?” Saban explained.
Regret and Reflection
Reflecting on that fateful decision, Saban admitted he regretted not pushing harder for Brees. “That year Drew Brees plays lights out for New Orleans,” he lamented. The Dolphins’ loss became the Saints’ gain, as Brees went on to set numerous records and become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
In a twist of fate, Saban even had to call Brees’ agent to inform him of the failed physical. “I actually had to call his agent and say we had a deal, but he didn’t pass the physical,” Saban recounted. The agent was understandably distressed. “Oh man, Nick. You can’t tell people he didn’t pass the physical. I’ll never get him signed any place.” Saban assured him that no one would know for 72 hours, and indeed, Brees signed with the Saints shortly after, forever altering the landscape of professional football.
Lessons Learned from a Missed Opportunity
So, what can we learn from this intriguing chapter in football history? It’s a reminder of how fragile success can be and how quickly fortunes can change. The Dolphins’ decision to pass on Brees is a cautionary tale for teams everywhere. Sometimes, taking a leap of faith can lead to monumental success, while hesitance can result in missed opportunities.
Dolphins fans may still feel a sting of regret over what could have been, but Saban’s journey didn’t end there. He returned to college football, where he transformed Alabama into a powerhouse, winning multiple national championships and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in the sport.
All told, the paths of Nick Saban and Drew Brees may have diverged, but their impact on football remains undeniable. The Dolphins continue to wonder about the “what ifs,” while Saban and Brees have carved out their own legendary legacies. In the world of sports, sometimes it’s the decisions not made that echo the loudest.
