“It’s like Jordan leaving the NBA”: Jason Whitlock emphasizes the impact of Nick Saban leaving CFB

The departure of Nick Saban from college football would undeniably leave an irreplaceable void, according to Jason Whitlock, a sports analyst. Whitlock, known for his bold opinions and sharp insights, compared Saban's exit to Michael Jordan's retirement from the NBA.

“Nick Saban’s departure diminished the entire SEC. I’m not exaggerating. I’m not trying to be clever. He elevated everyone. It’s like Jordan leaving the NBA,” Whitlock wrote.

Whitlock's post on X highlighted the transformative influence Saban has had on college football, particularly within the SEC.

Saban’s tenure at Alabama has been marked by consistent dominance and unprecedented success, making him a key figure not just for the Crimson Tide but for the entire landscape of college football.

His coaching style, recruitment prowess, and ability to adapt have not only brought Alabama numerous championships but also raised the standard for competition in the SEC. As discussions about the future of college football continue, including topics like the evolving bowl system and the transfer portal, Saban’s presence remains a cornerstone.

Administrators from the SEC and Big Ten are contemplating more control over bowl games and revenue. Nevertheless, the absence of a figure like Saban would undeniably shift the dynamic, leaving a void that might take years to fill.

Nick Saban compares kickers to golfers

Nick Saban’s unique approach to handling kickers has always stood out. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Saban revealed on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he adhered to a strict “no contact” policy with his kickers during games. Recalling his philosophy, Saban explained:

"You can verify this with Rece Davis but when I saw that happening, I said, ‘I never talked to these guys.’ Never," Saban said. "I didn’t want them to think it was a different kick than every other kick they had to make, and be so concerned about the outcome of making the kick that they didn’t just kick with confidence and go through their normal rhythm of how they do what they do."

As Saban described it, this approach stemmed from his belief that pressure could hinder performance, much like in golf. By maintaining a hands-off approach, Saban aimed to keep his kickers focused and unburdened by external expectations.

“When someone thinks they need to make a good shot, they’ll shank it into the water,” he added.

However, not all of Alabama’s kickers fared well under his tenure. In 2016, Alabama’s primary kicker missed seven field goals. The struggles continued in subsequent years, with the team missing five of their 20 kicks and nine extra points in 2018.