Not even close to the reason Saban failed in the NFL. Coaches like Saban like total control over their players. That authoritarian approach works with high school and college kids because if they don't fall in line they don't play. If they quit, no problem you have 5 more guys that are just as good if not better.

In the NFL you can't do that. For one, you're dealing with grown arse millionaires that aren't looking for opportunities to play. The bulk of the roster has more leverage than coaches. The only ones responding to that type of leadership are the fringe guys struggling to make the roster. Two, you're a college coach transitioning to the pros...there's a level of "prove it" from the veteran players as well. You don't get respect until you earn it. Belichick didn't get to be a total dick until he won a few Super Bowls. Saban couldn't adapt, so he left for Alabama.

Him retiring could be a combination of things(old age, nothing left, etc.), but he's probably facing a similar dilemma with control. Today's players are not only making money legally, but they can also leave at a drop of a hat without penalty. At least in the NFL there is some sort of leash preventing that, but college has turned into a free for all.

There needs to be a cap on NIL, plus the transfer rules need to go back to what they were with the mandatory 1 year penalty for transferring. Otherwise the best FBS college coaches will continue leaving.

This post was edited on 2/2/24 at 8:14 am

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by Alt26

Member since Mar 2010

28488 posts

Posted on 2/2/24 at 9:09 am to iBack8569

quote:
There needs to be a cap on NIL

Illegal, unless somehow a cap is collectively bargained....which creates a whole other mess of problems.

quote:
plus the transfer rules need to go back to what they were with the mandatory 1 year penalty for transferring.

I don't disagree. But like EVERYTHING that happened during the great overreaction of 2020, the tube is out of the toothpaste on that and it isn't going back in. Even the effort to limit transfers to just one "free" transfer has failed as the courts (temporarily) struck down the validity of that rule.

More and more good coaches are going to leave college if they have the opportunity. The lifestyle in the NFL is much better. The job security (or lack thereof) in the NFL and major college football is about the same now. But at least in the NFL coaches get a pretty lengthy, and well defined, offseason. As a college coach you are CONSTANTLY recruiting HS players as well has now having to constantly recruit your own roster. A roster full of (mostly) immature 18-22 year olds who are being "advised" by shady "middle-men" and greedy, unintelligent, hanger-on family members to constantly leverage their HC for more and more money. Money that the HC essentially has to fundraise from wealthy supporters who, come with their own set of problems.

If you are a guy like Saban who has accomplished everything and has all of the money he will ever need, the headache just isn't worth it. Same for any HC who is successful. At some point you say to yourself "frick it. I just want to coach football. If I'm going have to deal with the 'business of football" I may as well do it in the NFL where at least there is a pretty firm structure. And where once the season is over I can spend 3, 4, 5 months away from the grind, enjoying my life"

This post was edited on 2/2/24 at 9:10 am

1 ...

Report Post

Coaching Changes - Replies to Post

Return To Board

Page 1

Return To Board