If it’s 72 hours, has to be an internal coordinator imho, either Rees or Steele
Steele retired just the other day.
...
The man. The legend. The state. I can only imagine 42 years ago felt quite similar to now upon Bear Bryant's announcement of 1982. Today, I find myself with a heavy heart, emotions raw and unbridled.
It is with a profound sense of both sadness and gratitude that now bids farewell to our era of this sport's ultimate legend as a coach, a maestro of the gridiron, the architect of dreams – Coach Nick Saban.
As we, a country of college football...no matter our school or our rivalries, stand on this precipice of change, the echoes of countless victories and the indomitable spirit of Crimson Tide football reverberate within us, be those memories of joy or bitterness, they are here and they are now, yet simultaneously remaining now and forevermore in the past.
As much, this truly amounts to a bittersweet moment, an intersection of sorrow and appreciation that transcends the realm of mere sports fandom. It's about a man who became more than a coach; he became a mentor, a guiding force that shaped not just the game but even more so the lives of those he touched through Nick's Kids.
I speak not only for myself but for countless others when I say that Nick Saban's departure leaves an indelible void, a chasm of emotions that at their core are grappling to comprehend. It's a farewell that tugs at the very fabric of passion, for Coach Saban is owed more than just victories on the field; he is owed the essence of the game itself.
My experience of learning, studying, and identifying in the realm of presnap shading, the impacts of 77 coverage, MOF safeties, LIZ/RIP 3 coverage? Just to name a few key elements: They're all a testament to the profound impact of Coach Saban's tutelage and creativity on the defense side the ball. Speaking for myself, I thank you, Coach, for instilling in me the art of disguising coverages, the mastery of defensive strategies that left opponents bewildered and fans in awe. But beyond the intricacies of X's and O's, you taught me something more profound – the importance of resilience, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
My tears well up not just for the departure of a coach but for the end of an era, an era that birthed dynasties and etched the Crimson Tide's name in the annals of football history. Alabama weeps as one for the memories of victories and the camaraderie that united us as something larger than each and every one of us.
Those tears are not solely the product of loss; but yet they are rich in tears of gratitude. For Nick Saban, in his illustrious tenure, gifted the Tide with more than championships. He gifted Alabama moments of unbridled joy, taught us at large the resilience to weather storms, and imparted life lessons that extend far beyond the white lines of the football field.
Bidding farewell, the legacy of a man who transcended the game is carried, leaving an indomitable mark on the very soul of Crimson Tide football. In the grand tapestry of life, Coach Saban's impact is immeasurable, weaving through the stories of players, fans, and enthusiasts alike. As college football embarks on a new chapter, let us not forget the lessons learned, the victories celebrated, and the tears shed.
For in this farewell, there is not just an ending but the promise of a new beginning, fueled by the wisdom imparted by a legendary coach. Thank you, Coach Saban, for the moments that defined our Saturdays, for the tears of both sorrow and joy, and for the legacy that will endure beyond the echoes of Bryant-Denny Stadium. May your journey forward be as extraordinary as the legacy you leave behind. Roll Tide, forever and always.