re: Seriously, what is wrong with Nick Saban?

But Les enjoys life more, I guarantee that. He is also a multi millionaire.

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he looks worn out. He really does.

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If you were surrounded by Gumps and had to deal with their shite 24/7, you'd be worn out too.

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The last Saturday in the south showed a lot about his upbringing. His dad demanded the same perfection and hard work from him that he demands from his programs. The parallel was uncanny. I suggest you give that episode a watch. The older I get the more I really hear those deep life lessons my dad instilled in my at a young age start to come out as I mature. He also lost his father right when his coaching career started so that has probably strengthened his resolve on these things as well. Ultimately I don’t even think he “cares” as much about winning as just getting everyone to do their job perfectly because we’ll that’s how he was raised. You do something, you do it perfectly and as hard and successfully as you can. Then all the winning just comes from that. That’s probably where it all comes from.

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I completely understand his perfectionism. I'm the same way about everything I do. I have a certain standard in mind, and being told I did a "good" job is never as important to me as whether or not I think I did it exactly right, or as close to it as possible.

The problem I have with Saban's attitude is that he let's this mindset affect how he treats people around him who aren't even part of his program. Not that the media doesn't ask some stupid questions. They do. But he gets mad at almost ANY question, because he just has to project this image that he is in total control, and only he can decide what is appropriate, or important to be asked.

He forgets that this is entertainment for everyone else. It's his job to coach his team, but this sport is just a game, and reporters aren't asking questions because it's important. They ask because it's their job, because people want to know, and pay a lot of money to watch their teams. As a coach, you need to be mindful of that give and take with your fans, because they pay the bills.

But Saban is constantly chastising his own fans, as well. Bear Bryant had a lot of success, too. But people often remember him as being a jerk. I wouldn't want to be remembered that way. But, to each his own, I guess.