People look at the Alabama players, but the fans also embody the mentality of Nick Saban.
Supporters of the Crimson Tide want perfection, and anything less than that is unacceptable.
The mindset started after Alabama captured its first BCS National Championship of the Saban era in 2009. He faced the crowd and said, “this is not the end, this is the beginning.” It started the beginning of a national championship run that has been going for 15 years. Fans and reporters have never shied away from sharing opinions on the Tide. Whether good or bad, people make their voices heard on Alabama football.
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We have noticed a lot of criticism toward both coordinators on Saban’s coaching staff.
People have fired shots at Bill O’Brien and Pete Golding for many reasons. O’Brien has been viewed as a drop from Steve Sarkisian, Lane Kiffin, Michael Locksley, and Brian Daboll.
When looking at Golding, some fans long for the days of Kirby Smart and Jeremy Pruitt to return on defense. Despite the observations, Saban carried a funny perspective on those criticizing his team.
*Saban responds to media and fans criticizing Alabama’s coordinators at the 4:45 mark
“I think it’s fine,” Saban chuckled on Monday. “We criticize ourselves all the time. We try to close the gap on perfect in everything we do, and the players do too. Is it possible to be perfect all the time? Probably not. That is why you practice. When we don’t get the gap closed like we’d like to, we are critical of ourselves. Criticism is part of the game.”
Saban said the coaches and players strive for perfection. Everyone wants to get it right.
Alabama has looked better in back-to-back weeks versus LSU and New Mexico State.
It must have its A-game against Arkansas because a chance to win the SEC West is on the line. The matchup will be on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium at 2:30 p.m.
CBS will have the call for the Crimson Tide’s final home game.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
