Nick Saban has long been recognized for his unwavering focus as a coach, a trait that rarely wavered, especially during his time with the Miami Dolphins. His intense dedication to the game of football often left little room for distractions, even in the most unexpected of places.
Channing Crowder shares an unforgettable encounter with Nick Saban
Channing Crowder, a former linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, experienced this firsthand during an unusual interaction in the team’s bathroom back in the mid-2000s. Crowder, who was in his early NFL career while Saban was coaching the Dolphins from 2005 to 2006, recounted this memorable moment on the latest episode of The Pivot Podcast, alongside fellow ex-NFL players Ryan Clark and Fred Taylor.
“I went to the sink and started washing my hands,” Crowder recalled. “I looked over and thought, ‘You’re the head coach of the Dolphins, you’re Nick damn Saban.’ I remembered all those meetings where you’d talk about Miss Terry and how she brought cookies to the team. So, I asked, ‘Hey Coach, how’s Miss Terry?’”
However, Crowder’s attempt at small talk quickly took a sharp turn. Just ten games into the season, he had recently given up a crucial third-down catch to a Buffalo running back. Saban’s response was as direct as it was humorous: “She’d be a lot better if you could cover a f***ing ‘back on third down.”
Nick Saban reflects on his coaching journey
Beyond the humor, this encounter encapsulated Saban’s coaching philosophy. Crowder’s experience highlights how Saban’s laser focus extended beyond the field and into every aspect of the game, including how he interacted with his players. Saban’s commitment to excellence was evident, and he didn’t shy away from reminding his players of their responsibilities.
“It always blows my mind,” Crowder added. “When you saw me three days after the game, you thought about me giving up that third-and-7 when I asked you ‘how’s Miss Terry?’” Saban’s response was simple yet impactful: “Well, you gotta get off the field on third down.”
Ryan Clark, who played for Saban during his final two seasons at LSU, reinforced this sentiment with another classic Saban-ism: “You can’t win if you don’t.” This philosophy has been a cornerstone of Saban’s coaching career, shaping not just his teams but also the players who have crossed his path.
Saban’s Miami Dolphins tenure: A pivotal moment
Despite his success in college football, Saban revealed that his time with the Miami Dolphins was arguably the most significant period in his coaching career. During his appearance on The Pivot Podcast, he shared insights into how this experience reshaped his worldview.
“From a coaching standpoint, probably, for me, was leaving LSU, going to Miami, and finding out about myself,” Saban explained. “I always thought being a head coach in the NFL was the ultimate goal. When I did it, I realized we couldn’t control the variables.”
He elaborated on the challenges he faced, including a significant salary cap issue, an aging roster, and a lack of draft picks due to trades, notably for Ricky Williams. “We were $17 million over the cap and had no quarterback. It was a challenge, and we made it better, but I felt like we couldn’t control the variables,” Saban reflected.
Saban’s legacy in college football
Ultimately, Saban returned to college football, where he found immense success and satisfaction. “From a professional standpoint, that was probably the biggest turning point for me,” he stated. “I was satisfied to be at a place for 17 years, which I was never satisfied with before. It was always about climbing the ladder.”
Today, Saban stands as a seven-time national champion, a testament to his ability to adapt and grow from his experiences. His time with the Dolphins taught him invaluable lessons about leadership and resilience, shaping his approach to coaching in college football.
As Crowder’s story illustrates, Saban’s intense focus and unique sense of humor left a lasting impression on his players. It’s clear that the lessons learned during his time in the NFL have played a crucial role in his legendary career in college football.
In the end, Saban’s journey is a reminder that every experience—whether a triumph or a challenge—contributes to the legacy we build. And for Saban, that legacy is one of excellence, determination, and an unwavering commitment to the game of football.
