COACH SABAN'S ADVICE TO ASSISTANTS MOVING ON

As Coach Saban's coaching tree continues to grow, there was an article at AJC.com that delved into what if any advice Coach Saban gives to his assistants as they gain head coaching positions. Here are a few excerpts of the article form Andrew Ashtleford:

Nick Saban says the same thing to his former assistants when they move on. He said he told Kirby Smart upon taking the job at Georgia, "Be your own man. Be yourself. Do it the way you think it ought to be done. Don't try to be somebody else."

That’s quality advice from Saban. It would be tempting for any of the coach’s former assistants to try to pattern their coaching styles after Alabama’s successful leader.

However, the greatest success comes when someone is able to place their own fingerprints on a program in a unique way. Clearly, Smart has done that this season in leading Georgia to an SEC title and an appearance in the National Championship Game.