College Football: The Mount Rushmore of head coaches

Nick Saban

Toledo (1990), Michigan State (1995-99), LSU (2000-04), Alabama (2007-present)

What is there left to say?

He is simply the G.O.A.T., and history continues to be written.

Saban’s seven national titles (six with Alabama and one with LSU) as of this writing have surpassed the legendary Bear Bryant as the most by any coach in major modern college football history.

Saban may not be remembered as one of the game’s great innovators or a larger than life character, but he has perfected the coach as a CEO role, which is necessary in the modern game.

He consistently surrounds himself with the best staff, as evidenced by the numerous branches of his still growing coaching tree, and nobody in the country recruits better as Alabama continues to churn out first-round players in every NFL draft.

Driven by a philosophy known as “The Process,” a results-driven business plan as much as it is a way of life, Saban holds his players to the same standard every game, whether they are playing against an FCS opponent or in the national championship.

Originally winning titles behind a solid run game and a stout defense, perhaps Saban’s biggest accomplishment has been his ability to adapt to change. Despite his initial aversion to fast-tempo spread offenses, his teams now lead college football in terms of offensive innovation and explosiveness.

With no signs of slowing down anytime soon, the greatest college football coach of all time might someday propel himself into conversations that go beyond this list as one of the greatest coaches in any sport ever.