Nick Saban reveals what he likes most about coaching in college, what disappoints him the most

Legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban has done it at the highest level of the sport for a long, long time, such that he’s a walking cornucopia of knowledge when it comes to teaching athletes.

But what is Saban’s favorite part of coaching? That’s a question put directly to him on Thursday during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

“I really think coaching is teaching. Teaching is ability to inspire learning,” Saban said. “The thing I like most about coaching is relationships with the players, trying to teach them to help them be a better version of themselves, whether it’s personally, academically or obviously in coaching there’s athletically on the field in terms of what you can do to help them get better.”

Saban has been able to do that in a way where he consistently convinces his players that his style of building is the way to go about being a successful, high-level program.

He’s able to convince his players that they’re creating value for themselves every single time they step out on the field, which gets them focused at almost all times. It has worked. Again and again and again.

But that’s not to say Saban doesn’t also sometimes run into challenges.

“I think one of the most disappointing things is when you have a guy that has ability and you want him to sort of improve and take advantage of that ability that he has and the talent that God has given him, and he doesn’t want it as bad as you want it,” Saban said. “That’s one of the most frustrating things, I think. But I just enjoy teaching. I really do.”

A big stretch is looming for Nick Saban, Alabama

After a 1-1 start to the season, Alabama is now in the midst of a four-game winning streak after gutting out a victory over Texas A&M last week. The Crimson Tide looked like they’d be on upset alert, but pulled away to get the 26-20 victory to improve to 5-1 on the season.

Alabama is also now alone in first place in the SEC West after entering last week tied with Texas A&M for the top spot. With five conference games left, Saban is going to want his team at its best to try and get back to the SEC Championship.

That win over Texas A&M could create some much-needed momentum going forward. After this week’s game against Arkansas, Alabama will welcome Tennessee for a Third Saturday in October showdown before the bye week. From there, LSU will come to Tuscaloosa on Nov. 4 and a trip to Lexington to take on Kentucky awaits the following week.

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this report.