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Nick Saban is one of, if not the greatest college football coaches of all time for a reason.
After retiring, Saban has since transitioned seamlessly into his role on ESPN “College GameDay” where he’s proven a fantastic foil to the always boisterous Pat McAfee.
But each week, Saban gives us glimpses of the insight and wisdom that made him such a fantastic coach. That continued on Saturday in Austin, Texas when he gave a speech that captivated both the viewing audience and the on-site crowd.
https://twitter.com/CollegeGameDay/status/1847652848416207128
Nick Saban’s College GameDay Speech Will Give You Goosebumps
Saban was asked what he would tell his players at the midpoint of the season if they were still in College Football Playoff contention.
He more than delivered with his answer.
“About this time of the season if you’re undefeated – and we were a few times – I’d always give a ‘nothing’ speech,” he began. “I’d walk up in front of the players and I would say ‘if you wake up in the morning and you feel entitled, what would that get you?'”
Saban’s co-hosts then responded with a resounding “Nothing!”
“If you think somebody owes you something, what would you get,” he continued
“Nothing!,” the crowd yelled back.
“If you lose your discipline and your work ethic, what would that get you?”
“NOTHING!”
“If you fail to prepare and lose your attention to detail, what would that get you?”
“NOTHING!”
“So nothing is more important than staying focused on being the best you can be no matter what you choose to do.”
By the end of his speech, Saban had me standing up and yelling “nothing” in an otherwise empty home office.
Saban’s addition to College GameDay brought some questions when it was first announced. But he’s more than delivered this season. And now it’s hard to imagine a show without him on it.