Bryant and Saban (No Logical Comparison)
The phenomenal success Nick Saban has achieved as a head coach, particularly at Alabama, has brought about the inevitable comparisons with Paul "Bear" Bryant, especially among those who weren't around during the Bryant era. This is completely understandable. Saban's record speaks for itself. He is on the brink of accomplishing something Bryant never did, all in one game. An Alabama win over Notre Dame would be something Bryant never achieved, despite four attempts to so. Additionally, it would earn Saban three national titles over a four year span, a feat that the "Bear" was not able to accomplish. Saban represents the modern day Bryant to legions of younger Alabama fans. Ultimately, these comparisons are an exercise in futility. Both men coached in different eras. Bryant led Alabama at a time when scholarship limitations did not exist, a luxury Saban does not enjoy. Under Bryant Alabama played a ten or eleven game regular schedule and did not have to navigate a possible SEC title game. But Bryant's career as a head coach spanned almost forty years, twenty-five of which were spent at Alabama, where he won six national titles. His imprint on the game, both schematically and philosophically, remain to this day. All comparisons of the two men can only be made in subjective terms. One thing they have in common, leading Alabama to unparalleled heights, cannot be debated. Of that I am certain.