How true is the "Don't talk to Saban" policy?

[Crimson-Blitz]

It's categorically untrue.

Nick is not the kind of guy you would engage in small talk with in the workplace. But I happen to know that he says "hello" and "good morning" to people on the athletic staff.

 

[exiledNms]

has to be I haven't spoken to him yet.

You too? I haven't spoken with Coach Saban since his arrival at the Capstone either. Of course, in my case, it could be that he has a policy against speaking with exiles from MS...:biggrin2:

 

[ACT1]

I don't know if true or not, but I do believe that if true that the reaction to it has to do with the perception of why it would be in effect.

The general discussion is that if he doesn't want to be talked to, then it must be because he's just a jerk and not a people person. In other words, Nick is a bad guy.

Another side that isn't put forth so much is that he considers the football complex his workplace and is constantly in a "work" frame of mind, and would not like his thought process to be interrupted with general pleasantries. It's pretty obvious how focused he is, and I don't personally find this hard to believe.

IMO, I recall his comments when he said that his wife pointed out that there was a huge gap between how he thought others saw him versus how they really did (the perception gap). I think this is an example.

 

[TideFever]

Well this is odd, because almost every single posting in this thread is wrong.

The question raised is if Coach Nick Saban has a "Don't speak unless spoken too" policy... and the answer is, "Yes." I work with and around the athletic department on a daily basis. I do not work directly with football or Coach Saban. I do however work close to Sports Information, Events management and Grounds, and people inside these departments have informed me of the policy should I ever come across him. All of you can believe what you will, but there is indeed a "Don't speak unless you are spoken to policy" in effect when it comes to Nick Saban.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

Well this is odd, because almost every single posting in this thread is wrong.

The question raised is if Coach Nick Saban has a "Don't speak unless spoken too" policy... and the answer is, "Yes." I work with and around the athletic department on a daily basis. I do not work directly with football or Coach Saban. I do however work close to Sports Information and Grounds, and people inside both departments have informed me of the policy should I ever come across him. All of you can believe what you will, but there is indeed a "Don't speak unless you are spoken to policy" in effect when it comes to Nick Saban.

Very sad if true. :rolleye2:

 

[TideFever]

Very sad if true. :rolleye2:

Bummer to me just thinking about it, but oh well... what can you do?

 

[wastedmason]

Do we want him here to socialize or win football games? Who gives a rats rear if it is to socialize? Should have kept coach Shula for that. I guess its just the off season!:biggrin2:

 

[TideFever]

Do we want him here to socialize or win football games? Who gives a rats rear if it is to socialize? Should have kept coach Shula for that. I guess its just the off season!:biggrin2:

I still don't think it's necessary to treat those who are working for you in such a way, but whatever...

 

[LCN]

I basically heard CNS say it himself on espn soon after he arrived in Miami .
Says that when he's thinking about or focused on football , he doesn't need or want anyone to break his concentration or train of thought .

CNS was then asked about how often is he "thinking about or focused on football" ? Answer - "... constantly , always ."

Here is a lengthy story about some of it from his time in Miami ........
http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/b.../sports/116816537284510.xml&coll=2&thispage=1

 

[BocaLance]

It must be true.
I've left 47 unreturned phone calls for him asking about the black jerseys he had the quarterbacks wearing in practice. Those things are HOT. Further, I still have not gotten resolved the question of whether UA will wear black or white shoes this season. He's so cold-shoulder.

Seriously .. if it IS true (and I don't believe it is) if he is the type of man who treats his fellow colleagues and human beings like dirt, it won't be long before there is a mutiny on his hands. People just don't tolerate that for long. I believe the ones who are hearing about this policy from within are hearing it from people who are afraid of their own shadows to begin with. I understand the fear/intimidation factor ... but a POLICY??

 

[moorav]

this is not podunk university - WHO would be intimidated/feared by Nick Saban at the U of A. I know Mal would not be he's worked with the best coach ever and Saban ain't even close to being that kind of coach.

Heck Gene Stallings would be more intimidating that Nick Saban.

I could see a legend like Bear being naturally intimidating but Nick ain't in that league. It's only Nick Saban not Bob Knight, Bear Bryant, Vince Lombardi or other legends.

I think Nick is a lot smarter than that, this thread/subject is laughable TO ME

 

[Tide Tales]

I know one thing for sure. This policy is absolutely and 100% in affect

























has to be I haven't spoken to him yet. :biggrin2:

:biggrin2: Clever! and FOFLOL!:BigA:

 

[REBELZED]

I believe that if this so-called "policy" really is in effect that it was probably self-imposed by the staff as I just don't see any head coach blatantly telling his subordinates not to talk to him

 

[FitToBeTide]

It will take some us a while to get used to a totally dedicated, no-nonsense, straight-ahead coach. Really obnoxious people will eventually self-destruct. Most of us won't come in contact with him personally in the first place. We'll pay more attention to coaching/winning with class and overall team integrity rather than social skills, IMO.

:biga2:

 

[Pachydermatous]

....Heck Gene Stallings would be more intimidating that Nick Saban....I think Nick is a lot smarter than that, this thread/subject is laughable TO ME

You've hit the nail right on its head. I've seen Gene intimidate referees. The whole business reminds me of Albert Einstein's housekeeper. She considered her main job was seeing that nobody was admitted to the house who might disturb the professor's train of thought and upset the laws of physics. It is laughable. We've run out of things to worry about and we're gnawing the bones.:rolleye2:

 

[Vinny]

I wouldn't buy into that.

 

[BocaLance]

I wouldn't buy into that.

You talkin' to me?
You talkin' TO ME??

 

[Bama Bo]

I'm sure all Saban is asking for with this so called policy is tat the staff treat it as a work place and not a social gathering. Idle chit chat is for your own time, not work time. He comes in to work, not chat, and he expects others to do the same.

 

[ForTide]

If he can average 9-10 wins per year and beat Awbarn on a regular basis I don't think people would be offended by any "policy". Saban is bringing back the dedication and hard work that was lacking in the program.
We tried nice and nice did not work.
Just win baby!!! :biggrin:

 

[bamanut_aj]

Seriously .. if it IS true (and I don't believe it is) if he is the type of man who treats his fellow colleagues and human beings like dirt, it won't be long before there is a mutiny on his hands. People just don't tolerate that for long. I believe the ones who are hearing about this policy from within are hearing it from people who are afraid of their own shadows to begin with. I understand the fear/intimidation factor ... but a POLICY??

that's my same thought. I could understand that most people understand he's here to coach and most folks just kinda stay away. But a clearly instituted POLICY? That sounds absurd. But if TideFever is correct, there is such a policy. Seems a little silly to me, but whatever.