Coach Nick Saban’s News Conferences
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban has long demonstrated that when he does a news conference, it’s his news conference. It’s not the media’s. It’s not the school’s. Nor is it the networks. It is his opportunity to get his message out to the players, public, administration, and fans.
News conferences are more than just an obligation to Coach Saban, they are an opportunity to establish culture.
No more was this demonstrated than this past week during “The Nick Saban Show” when he addressed his recent team’s performances and the expectations fans have for his team.
Watch this masterclass in leadership below followed by a few lessons on self-absorbed people I gleaned from Coach Saban:
WATCH: Nick Saban goes OFF during a pre-Thanksgiving rant directed at “self-absorbed” #Alabama fans that can’t appreciate what they have after a ques. about not blowing teams out.
(This came during his weekly “The Nick Saban Show,” 🎥 courtesy of @UA_Athletics’ live stream.) pic.twitter.com/dnEv1PwQJH— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) November 25, 2021
Nick Saban’s Lessons About Self-Absorbed People:
Self-Absorbed People Need To Be Educated
“We played LSU. Everybody said, ‘They lost two games in a row. They’re not any good anymore. We’re just going to blow them out.’ It’s just the opposite. It’s just the opposite of that.”
Self-Absorbed People Lack Understanding
“Everybody wants to beat us. We’re going to get everybody’s best game. I don’t know why people don’t understand that.”
Self-Absorbed People Lack Perspective
“When I came here everybody was happy to win a game. Now we’re not happy to win a game anymore. We’re not happy to win a game at all. We think we should win games by whatever. And I don’t think that’s fair to players either.”
Self-Absorbed People Lack Gratitude
“Our players work their butt off to be the best that they can be. To get criticized for what they work hard for to do, so you can be entertained, so that you can enjoy and have pride and passion for what they accomplish and what they do… They are representing you all. You should be proud and happy to support them and appreciate what they do and have some gratitude.”
Self-Absorbed People Lack Respect
“Nobody wants to win worse than they do. Not me, not you. I don’t care what kind of fan you are. Nobody wants to win more than the players that play. Nobody. And nobody feels worse than they do when they lose. Nobody.”
Self-Absorbed People Cannot Get Past Their Own Selves
“For all you self-absorbed folks out there that can’t look past your own self to appreciate what other people are doing…” and he throws his hands up.
After reading this list, would Coach Saban describe you as a self-absorbed person?
To receive more leadership insights from Coach Saban, click HERE or on the image to the left for my new ebook The Leadership Of Nick Saban: Timeless Truths From The Incomparable Head Coach Of The Alabama Crimson Tide. This is an invaluable resource for both sports fans or anyone interested in organizational leadership. Enjoy!