I also wanted to give a shout out to Joe for citing Calvin Trillin. I have 2 favorite writers, and now I know at least 1 reads the other. I have books signed by exactly 2 writers. This summer on his tour I brought my copy of "The Soul of Baseball" (greatest book ever, right?) for Joe to sign as well as "Why I Love Baseball." A number of years ago I went to a book reading/signing by Calvin and had him sign - wait for it - "Messages From My Father." That book is a gem. Of course, if you want to try out Calvin, "American Fried" (or the "Tummy Trilogy") is probably the way to go, but only if you like to laugh.
Well I couldn’t get through it. I appreciate that as a national writer you have to write about the new hotness, whoever that is. But as a fan of a rival of Alabama, not to mention LSU, I cannot stand saban. Glad he’s gone. Kick rocks. But I do love JP’s writing. Thanks for everything.
Wow! Great article Joe! As a life long Bama fan seeing my first game with The Bear as a boy and my last few with Saban at the helm, I’ve read a lot about Bama football over the years. It’s always seemed a little elusive, what exactly Saban has that makes the difference. This was a great take on that question and even more impressive that he and the teams continued their success for these past 10 years too. Glad for him that he is walking away still on top of his game and after an amazing season of transformation, as this 2023 team out performed all expectations.
The interesting thing about all the talk about how no one can follow Nick Saban is that I recall the same thing being said at one time about some guy named Bear Bryant.
And they weren't anywhere near as good after Bryant left. Ray Perkins had the first losing season at Alabama in 27 years. Bill Curry was a respectable (bot not great) 26-10. Gene Stallings did better, but that was long after Bryant.
First rate. Thanks. I'm sick of the SEC in football but still an admirer of Nick Saban.
Of course, if Big Nick really couldn’t see to the top of the hill, the team could just send one kid up to collect leaves for everyone.
I also wanted to give a shout out to Joe for citing Calvin Trillin. I have 2 favorite writers, and now I know at least 1 reads the other. I have books signed by exactly 2 writers. This summer on his tour I brought my copy of "The Soul of Baseball" (greatest book ever, right?) for Joe to sign as well as "Why I Love Baseball." A number of years ago I went to a book reading/signing by Calvin and had him sign - wait for it - "Messages From My Father." That book is a gem. Of course, if you want to try out Calvin, "American Fried" (or the "Tummy Trilogy") is probably the way to go, but only if you like to laugh.
This article mentions 14 first round draft picks from 2009-2013.
That's an impressive 2.8 per year.
In the 10 years since then, he kept it up - actually improved a bit. 30 more first rounders, which is obviously 3.0 per year.
https://stathead.com/tiny/SIkhc
This story is so well done. It really is a beautiful thing.
Joe, any old articles you could post of Bill Snyder, and if not, could you write one?
Well I couldn’t get through it. I appreciate that as a national writer you have to write about the new hotness, whoever that is. But as a fan of a rival of Alabama, not to mention LSU, I cannot stand saban. Glad he’s gone. Kick rocks. But I do love JP’s writing. Thanks for everything.
A fan of a rival vs Alabama
Oops, misread.
Stunning writing
Wow! Great article Joe! As a life long Bama fan seeing my first game with The Bear as a boy and my last few with Saban at the helm, I’ve read a lot about Bama football over the years. It’s always seemed a little elusive, what exactly Saban has that makes the difference. This was a great take on that question and even more impressive that he and the teams continued their success for these past 10 years too. Glad for him that he is walking away still on top of his game and after an amazing season of transformation, as this 2023 team out performed all expectations.
Like this piece. It’s better than the one you did on Belichick. That’s saying something. Run that one too.
The interesting thing about all the talk about how no one can follow Nick Saban is that I recall the same thing being said at one time about some guy named Bear Bryant.
And they weren't anywhere near as good after Bryant left. Ray Perkins had the first losing season at Alabama in 27 years. Bill Curry was a respectable (bot not great) 26-10. Gene Stallings did better, but that was long after Bryant.
Coming soon: "Belichick"
I had forgotten this one. Glad you found it. It is the best Saban profile ever. Thank you.
Wonderful and thougtful--as always
Quite apropos on the day Belichik steps down.
This piece holds up brilliantly, Joe. Maybe you should give Substack a go. :)