🏈 Nick Saban Can Reload on Assistant Coaches like he Builds a Roster

[18Champs]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...well-as-he-builds-a-roster?platform=hootsuite

 

[TerryP]

(Morning musing.)

An off-season, retread, puff piece? At a glance, one might think that's what we're getting from Walsh here. Still, a nice recap that flies in the face of so much we've heard over the years. I suspect, like our replies to those who say "people don't like working for him," this is another fact based observation that will fall on the same deaf ears.

It's funny to me that people don't look at this and think "organizational structure." Walsh suggests he handles the roster the same way as the staff. Isn't that one of the integral tenants in your successful, large organizations? Ideally, you follow the same structure with your lower management (assistants) as you do your staff members (players.) Right?

People talk of the second chances Saban has given to the players. We've seen some work out. We've seen some become household names. We've seen those others repeat the same mistakes and move on.

Second chances with coaches ... hrmm. Lance Thompson, didn't work out. Lane Kiffin (though different circumstances) did work out. Davis? There's a question mark. Is that not a second chance gone bad?

The team has role players. The staff has had those as well with guys like Tucker, or Willis.

Let's assume Dunbar becomes official this morning. In a sense, isn't he like a JUCO defensive lineman with a year, maybe two, of time in Tuscaloosa then he moves on to the stage?

 

[TerryP]

Let me offer another though real quick.

Steele has been in Tuscaloosa twice. His second position was as a role player and we can argue, easily, he filled that role well. I have some issues with his first tenure here with Saban. But, my argument was it was a bad title for his position, not a bad position for him to be coaching. 2007 was a lesson learned. From whom were those defensive calls coming in 2008?
He comes back as DPP, then moves back to the field as ILB coach...the same position he was coaching in 2008? Role player, for a year, and ...

(BTW, this isn't a slam on Steele. I believe he's one of the best film coaches in college ball—from evaluation to opposition.)