Nick Saban had a crazy reaction to September 11 terrorist attacks while coaching at LSU
Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban was somewhat reserved in his response to the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Saban, then in his first season as LSU’s coach, was busy preparing for a game the following Saturday against SEC rival Auburn.
As told in the upcoming book ‘The Price: What It Takes to Win in College Football’s Era of Chaos’ written by Armen Keteyian and John TaltySaban was kept informed of what was happening in the world by his secretary.
There may have been some confusion between Saban and his staff, but they continued with their work anyway.
When the second plane hit the Twin Towers on that fateful Tuesday, Saban did not relax his commitment to preparations.
Nick Saban’s dedication to his job kept him from taking 9/11 as seriously as he should have
Saban will take on a new role at College GameDay this year after his retirement
“Guys, there are some crazy people in this world,” he said, according to the book. “And what are we going to do now that we’re in Lid Two against these routes?”
Saban let his Tiger team practice as planned. He never focused on his team’s offense, and some players reportedly had “no idea what was happening around the country.”
The coach later apologized in a newspaper for burying his “head in the sand” while the attacks were taking place.
The game against Auburn was ultimately canceled.
“It was probably the best decision not to play,” Saban said when he reflected on it later in 2021. “Probably good for the players and good for everybody to have a chance to deal with their emotions.”
Last offseason, Saban announced his retirement after a long and legendary coaching career.
Seven national championships were won, one with LSU and six with Alabama.
Saban will now take his place behind the desk for ESPN’s Saturday preview, “College GameDay.”