CoachHal.com

By Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register
April 18, 2010, 7:59PM

(Rivals.com photo)While I was otherwise occupied for much of today, the recruiting news just kept coming -- on two fronts -- for Alabama sports.

After yesterday's two commitments before the A-Day Game, rumors spread of a possible third commitment from Jackson, Tenn., cornerback Jabriel Washington (pictured), who was also in town for the game.

Eventually, Washington's father confirmed his son's Alabama commitment tonight to BamaOnline.com.

"I committed to Coach (Nick) Saban," Washington told TiderInsider.com. "I'm very excited that Coach Saban will be my position coach. I'm being recruited as a cornerback or slot receiver, but I'm sure that I will be a cornerback at Alabama."

Read more! »

Andrew Bone Published: Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 12:41 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 12:41 p.m.

The University of Alabama will kick-off the annual A-Day Game with national ESPN coverage at 2:00 Saturday afternoon. The campus is loaded with prospects, but two could not wait any longer to pull the trigger.

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“Do what we do and be who we are.” That is exactly what Coach Saban told the team before the BCS title game, and he reminded everyone of that during the post game celebration as we soaked it up on that magical night in Pasadena. And folks, our tailgate is no different. The Ole’ Tailgate Coach has some thoughts on the BCS Grand Slam, the national title, the Saban Statue, sippy cup drinking bikers, the Bruno Event Team, and that’s all before the tailgate plan (powered by vitaminwater).

1. Yea, Coach said it. This A-Day Game is simply a start to the 2nd leg of the BCS Grand Slam for Alabama. Here is your itinerary Alabama fans http://www.bcsfootball.org/news/story?id=4809833 . Glendale next year (we already have our hotel room in Atlanta and there), then New Orleans the next year, and we plan to be there to complete the ‘Slam in January 2013 in Miami. You gotta believe…

2. The National Title and the Statue

a. Coach (like an elephant) remembers the sneers from opposing fans when Alabama was talking to Nick Saban. Coach remembers the opposing fan who told Coach “You Alabama fans are like the scene in ‘Dumb and Dumber’ when Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) asks Mary Swanson (Lauren Holley) what his chances are and she says ‘…like a million to one’…to which Lloyd responds ‘So you’re telling me there’s a chance…’” Uhh…Wonder what the guy who said that to Coach was thinking when Coach Saban was holding up that crystal trophy in January???

b. Coach heard many opposing fans say to us (and many more behind our backs) “Why in the world do you have an empty space set aside for another statue? You are all ridiculous. You are idiots. You live in the past. You are…” Fill in the blank. Well well well, how times have turned.

c. Coach remembers the laughs when opposing fans saw how many people we brought to that first Saban spring game. Coach now sees how many of these schools have much bigger days of their own for spring games, even televising those games also.

d. Basically, we told everyone that we had a reserved spot in the north endzone for a statue of our next national title winning coach, we got made fun of for that, and now we are going to put one up. Simple as that. No apologies. Get over it. Coach mentioned it in the tailgate plan before Pasadena. So remember folks, they are jealous…let ‘em be mad…let them focus their mental energy on being against something rather than being for something. Do what you do and be who you are, act classy, smell the roses, and enjoy this ride.

e. With all that said, many opposing fans were very nice and congratulatory. They know who they are and Coach appreciates them.

3. Duke and Butler – The national media is so predictable. Coach predicted that many writers would immediately compare the NCAA tournament finale to the BCS and somehow invoke Boise State…and wha’ la…within 12 hours national writers were on it. Was it a good story because Butler did well? Yes, but it was over the top coverage. And remember, the finale had better ratings because Butler played DUKE. DUKE. People are jealous of well earned success, which seems very un-American doesn’t it? Also, do not get Coach started on the media and how college football is totally different than college basketball and pro football. That is for another day…

4. Sippy Cup Bikers – Coach has railed for years about bikers and Coach has been approached by some to clarify my position. So here goes:

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Guess Coach Tubby will walk in with "Guns Up"...Coach

Tech-Tide taking shape

By Don Williams on March 29th, 2010

Texas Tech appears likely to play Alabama in the Red Raiders’ 2012 football season opener, Tech athletic director Gerald Myers said Monday.

Myers said Dave Brown, a vice president of programming for ESPN, ”brought us together on this.’’

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White House confirms Tide trip to D.C.

By Chase Goodbread Sports Writer
Published: Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 10:46 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 10:46 a.m.

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama's national championship football team will visit President Barack Obama and the White House on Monday, and the trip will include a service project for the Crimson Tide, a White House official told The Tuscaloosa News.

The Crimson Tide defeated Texas, 37-21, in the BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 7 to earn its 13th national title. National championship teams typically are invited to visit the President for a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden in the months after football season. The Crimson Tide is expected to arrive at the White House late Monday morning for a visit with Obama, and a tour that is expected to include the Blue Room, the Red Room, the Green Room, the China Room, and other historically ceremonial rooms on the White House's East wing.

Past championship teams, both pro and college, have conducted service projects on visits to the White House, including care packages for troops overseas, clinics on healthy lifestyles, and other such philanthropy. According to a White House official, the Crimson Tide will meet with local D.C.-area youth on the importance of staying in school and making good choices. The youth group will attend the White House ceremony with the team.

Read more! »

ESPN to televise A-Day
By Chase Goodbread Sports Writer
Published: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 2:31 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 2:31 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | ESPN will televise the University of Alabama's annual spring game, A-Day, on April 17, the school announced.

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Nick Saban's 'one voice' philosophy spreads to other programs
By Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register
February 15, 2010, 1:15PM

Interesting post last night from Andrew Carter, who covers Florida State for the Orlando Sentinel.

Basically, what was expected now that coach-in-waiting Jimbo Fisher -- a Nick Saban disciple from the LSU days -- has taken over for Bobby Bowden is happening.

Florida State, traditionally one of the more media-accessible programs under Bowden, will not be that way under Fisher, who is opening up Saban's playbook in all areas for the Seminoles. That includes the "one voice" approach where assistant coaches and freshmen players are typically not allowed to speak publicly.

Per Carter's post ...

Saban, who recently led Alabama to the national championship, is well known for being a brilliant defensive strategist and for his maniacal attention to detail. He's also known, perhaps, as the one college football coach who has inspired countless others to limit media access to their programs.

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Finebaum: Gene Chizik and Nick Saban are Signing Day winners
By Paul Finebaum
February 09, 2010, 6:01AM

Nearly a week after National Signing Day, I'm still nursing a headache. Have you ever heard so much sound and fury signifying nothing? Are you ready for some more blather? The following are mere snapshots from the wild and woolly recruiting wars, chiseled down to the basic winners and losers.

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About 30 minutes before his announcement today, he received a phone call and then switch to the Barn with an Alabama banner hanging. See quotes below leading up to commit.

Spencer Regions switches commit to Auburn
By Andrew Bone Special to The Tuscaloosa News Published: Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 12:07 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 12:07 p.m.
The University of Alabama picked up a big commitment for its class of 2011, but it didn't last very long

Offensive lineman Spencer Region committed to Alabama head coach Nick Saban earlier in the week and was set to announce the commitment Saturday, but instead announced he was committing to Auburn.

The 6-foot-6, 350-pound prospect from Cullman High School is a member of the Scout.com 300 watch list for the class of 2011.

"I am going to Alabama," Region told Scout.com before the announcement. "My family knew that's where I wanted to go. They thought it was a good idea. Coach (Nick) Saban said to commit if I wanted to. Coach Saban was really excited. He said he has big plans for me."

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Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010
Alabama's Nick Saban uses personal touch with recruits
By MICHAEL CASAGRANDE - sports@ledger-enquirer.com

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Over the years, Nick Saban’s reputation never painted him as the happy-go-lucky football coach like Bobby Bowden.

Stern — downright grumpy at times — comparisons typically involve close friend Bill Belichick. After all, Saban’s famous for a viral video in which he made a NFL player cry in his stint with the Dolphins.

So how does he consistently wrangle top recruiting classes with the sometimes-sour face seen by the public?

It’s simple really.

The frown disappears and the smiles emerge as a different persona appears when the Alabama football coach steps in the living rooms of prospective recruits.

Whatever he’s doing, it is working.

Alabama is on the verge of finalizing its third straight top-five recruiting class when national signing day arrives Wednesday.

Those who’ve seen Saban’s recruiting up close and personal describe a much different coach than the one who throws headsets. Former Crimson Tide tight end Colin Peek went so far as to say one meeting with Saban left him “smitten.”

He’s genuine; others say — concerned more with post-football success more than anything else.

That’s hardly unique in the cutthroat world of recruiting.

But there’s just something different about Saban’s approach, said Brian Vogler, a tight end from Brookstone, who committed to the Tide over the summer and will sign Wednesday.

Read more! »

Coach wondered aloud before we went out west...A-Day is a good choice. Going to be a good day and tailgate.

Nick Saban statue already in progress, could be unveiled on A-Day, report says
By Press-Register staff
January 29, 2010, 6:13AM

The statue of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban already is in progress and could be done in time for the annual A-Day spring game, the Tuscaloosa News reports.

University of Alabama athletics director Mal Moore said soon after Alabama won the national championship that the university likely would place a statue of Saban outside Bryant-Denny Stadium in an area called the "Walk of Champions."

The plaza already has statues of other coaches who've won national championships at Alabama.

Read more! »

Tailgate plan will be posted once we see the weather forecast closer to Saturday...Coach

National title celebration to be held on Saturday

Published: Monday, January 11, 2010 at 6:31 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, January 11, 2010 at 6:31 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama will hold it national championship celebration on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium to honor the football team's victory over Texas in the BCS National Championship Game.

Bryant-Denny will open on Saturday at noon.

The festivities will begin at 2 p.m. and last an hour. The first 50,000 people into the stadium will receive a poster of the championship team at the Rose Bowl.

UA also announced there will be no parade or Walk of Champions. Also no autographs will be given.

The event is free to the public and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis with the entire celebration occurring inside the stadium.

Parking options and street options will be similar to A-Day games. Streets on campus will be closed at approximately 11 a.m.

Concessions will be available in multiple locations in the lower level of the stadium and licensed merchandise will be for sale outside the stadium.

http://www.tidesports.com/article/20100111/NEWS/100119924/1011?Title=National-title-celebration-to-be-held-on-Saturday

Fellow tailgaters and tweeps,

The Process is complete.

Let get to Coach’s post BCS National Title Game thoughts (powered by vitaminwater):

1. As Coach sat in the stadium for two hours with Bobby before the game, he thought to himself “It doesn’t get any better than this.” Coach just sat and soaked up the setting of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl. The beauty of the pristine field, the San Gabriel Mountains in the background, a great traditional program in Texas, the paratroopers, the pregame show, the two college bands, the star singers, the flyover, the fireworks, the calls and texts of encouragement from colleagues and friends, the perfect weather, etc…it was emotional. Not a crying type of emotional. But a very fulfilling type of emotional.

2. And then Alabama won the game and completed the loop. From 1926 to 2009. Coach Nick Saban and his team delivered and it was emotionally overwhelming for the Alabama faithful. As the band stirred up “Yea Alabama” just after the game, the words echoing throughout the Rose Bowl got louder…and louder…and louder: “…And if a man starts to weaken, That’s a shame! For Bama’s pluck and grit have Writ her name in Crimson flame. Fight on, fight on, fight on men! REMEMBER THE ROSE BOWL WE’LL WIN THEN!!!!” LOUD. Folks with smiles and tears at the same time. Texas fans acknowledging the destiny. Alabama fans living the dream. Coach will never forget that moment. Never.

3. Coach plans to purchase some of the Rose Bowl turf that will be sold in the coming weeks. We understand that 3 inch by 3 inch squares of the field will be available; first to the players and then the fans.

4. Coach is so thankful to have been at this game. Thank you to my bride and the First Lady of the tailgate, Sharon, for encouraging Coach to go to the game and allowing Coach to live a dream. At one point during the post game celebration, Coach actually thought he was dreaming and was going to wake up to hear Sharon saying “Hal, Hal, Hal…WAKE UP…you are snoring again…”

5. After that moment, Coach, Bobby, and Kumar moved down to the front row of the Rose Bowl and watched the postgame celebration. That field is immaculate. We were congratulated by security staff on the win, and discussed the fan that ran onto the field during the game. We snapped pictures, cheered, hugged, soaked it all in, and we were literally forced to leave about an hour after the game. But not after Coach scarfed up some confetti. To say the least, this was a season that will be tough to top.

6. As Coach Hal looked ahead prior to the BCS title game at the Rose Bowl, his two questions involved the timing of the parade and when would Saban’s statue go up outside the North End Zone.

a. Sounds like there will be a celebration inside Bryant Denny or a parade next weekend. We will have a tailgate for this event and details will follow later this week.

b. As far as the statue, the greatest coach in current college football has agreed to support the statue being erected sometime in the near future in the open spot outside Bryant Denny. Coach is glad the University planned ahead when the new north upper deck opened in 2005. If the unveiling of the statue is a public event, we will have a tailgate for that also.

7. As far as our trip to Tinsletown, it was jam-packed and entertaining with this eclectic tailgate and group of people. Details follow:

8. Tuesday:

a. Coach was very anxious about traveling out to LA by himself, and Beebo agreed to be Coach’s “Travel Daddy” for the trip. Beebo had no idea the effect of this until Coach got confused in the parking area, but everything was pretty smooth after that.

b. Coach had a kung-fu grip on the tickets but was not patted down by TSA security. We were told by a Georgia fan/security agent that he should pat us down since we were Alabama fans. He said he would cheer for us, but wanted us to know that UGA was coming after Kirby Smart, so it’s all good.

c. There is nothing more humbling than seeing soldiers going back overseas after their short time home.

d. We ran into John Parker Wilson and Ross Wilson in the airport. Coach finally had his chance to tell John Parker what he thought, and here it is exactly:

Read more! »

Coach will be tweeting during the trip to Pasadena. Follow Coach on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CoachHal and include yourself on our fun in Pasadena, A-Day 2010, the 2010 season, and beyond. It’s easy to sign up (less than a minute, Coach promises). Roll Tide.

Fellow tailgaters,

Finally, what we have waited for since 1993. Time for Coach Hal’s BCS National Title Game thoughts (powered by vitaminwater):

1. “Remember the Rose Bowl, we’ll win then”. Pinch Coach and wake him up. This is a dream come true for every generation of the Alabama fan base. The fight song, adopted in 1926 after Alabama’s historic win over Washington, ingrains this game into our very crimson being and fandom. Alabama’s team has brought the entire essence of “This is ALABAMA FOOTBALL” full circle with this historic run, which includes the school’s first Heisman Trophy. The historical and personal significance of this game and its location cannot be overstated for the best fans in college football. There may never be a chance like this in the Rose Bowl again, since we may have a playoff within the next 10 years. At that time, traveling to 2 or 3 different spots after the SEC title game may be impossible for many.

2. So ENJOY THIS TIME Alabama fans. Take a breath, soak it in, and smell the roses…literally.

3. Coach Hal is not quite Coach Saban, as the Ole’ Tailgate Coach looks ahead – big time. We plan to have a full tailgate for the national title game parade and celebration in Tuscaloosa. More details once the Tide pulls through, and we will rope off the night before the celebration.

4. And when will Saban’s statue go up in the open spot outside the north end zone? A-Day? Fan Day? First game next year? Iron Bowl? When he retires? You gotta believe folks…

5. In the unfortunate event the Tide does not bring home this particular title, please know that this year has been quite a ride and we have memories for a lifetime. It starts back up either way next season, and we already have reservations for Atlanta and Glendale. We should be 12-0 and playing the Florida Gators again in December 2010.

6. While there are many different itineraries, Coach’s is jam packed:

a. Coach arrives at LAX Tuesday afternoon, and Beebo has secured a Lincoln Town Car to pick Coach, Beebo, and Bobby up at the airport. Beebo loves that the sign will say “Beebo Davis” and not “Coach Hal”.

b. We might go to Santa Monica that night, or maybe Burbank, or we may stay in Pasadena. Can you believe these are our options? Life is good. Our final destination depends on how long it takes to get checked in to our nice accommodations in Pasadena.

c. Wednesday starts with box seats at the Santa Anita Horse Track. This is where the infamous Seabiscuit raced, and we plan to enjoy the perfect weather and fun at the horse track. Know that Coach will have some jack on the #8 (Juuuulllllliiiiioooooo!!!).

d. Kumar arrives that afternoon, and we will meet him and head to a Lakers game at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.

e. This is quite a “man-cation” isn’t it?

f. We plan to be tailgating by 8 AM PST/10 AM CST at the Rose Bowl.

g. We are flying out early Friday and Coach plans to be at home with the First Lady Sharon and Claire that night.

7. The playing surface for the Ohio State/Oregon Rose Bowl was beautiful. And did you know it was brand new sod and now they have taken that sod and replaced it? We will be playing on a pristine surface in a pristine environment. This is a dream, simply put.

8. We are so happy to play the University of Texas. Great program and great tradition. Some interesting thoughts:

Read more! »

Send in Coach Saban to close the deal Governor...Coach

Gov. Bob Riley, industry officials use Tide title game to recruit businesses
By Michael Tomberlin -- The Birmingham News
January 03, 2010, 8:40AM

Gov. Bob Riley and Alabama industrial recruiters will use Thursday's national championship football game to try to score some economic development victories for the state.

Riley will join economic developers from across the state on a trip to California beginning Tuesday and ending Friday.

The center of the trip is the Bowl Championship Series game between the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. But the goal is to lure thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in investment to the state.

Jeff Emerson, Riley's spokesman, said having a team from the state playing for a national title provides a unique opportunity "to showcase and promote the state and recruit new industry. ... The governor didn't want to let go by."

Around 25 corporate site consultants, executives and heads of companies are scheduled to be the state's guests in California. The state's delegation of economic developers and corporations will also total about 25, according to Neal Wade, executive director of the Alabama Development Office.

Wade said ADO has planned an itinerary to take full advantage of the governor's presence and a captive audience. "We have filled up his schedule as much as we could with events to work with consultants, prospects and executives in a variety of different ways and different settings."

On the schedule:

>> Wednesday night dinner at LA's Palm Restaurant, where the menu boasts prime rib and giant lobsters.

>> Thursday tailgating in the "Alabama Village" near the Rose Bowl.

>> All 50 seats of those in the Alabama delegation are together near the 10-yard line in the stadium for Thursday's game.

"The governor is coming to all of the events and he also has some meetings with prospects," Wade said.

Those meetings are with companies that have significant projects considering Alabama.

"We have a project that is based in Los Angeles that is looking at the state that could bring 1,000 jobs," Wade said.

Read more! »

Jan 2nd, 2010

Dear Coach,

I’m happy to report I’ve arrived in Southern California and ‘the process’ leading up to the ultimate Tailgate continues on the West Coast.

Woke up in Birmingham today and had an early morning flight to Burbank (by way of Las Vegas). Thought I'd be the only one heading out West this early -- but much to my surprise, the plane was packed with Bama fans. Even more to my surprise, the flight crew was Texas-based and all but one were ‘Horns (the other was an Aggie). Even though there was some light-hearted jabbing both ways, we were treated great and even given a chance for a plane-wide ‘Roll Tide!’ near the end of the first leg.

Flew over the Grand Canyon, whose top was covered in snow, and also the Hoover Dam. Landed in Vegas, dropped $30 in about 20 mins at the airport slot machines (gotta love Vegas) and headed to the gate to come on to Burbank.

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Scarbinsky: Can Florida find a coach to measure up to Meyer and stand up to Saban?
By Kevin Scarbinsky -- The Birmingham News
December 27, 2009, 5:30AM

Not that he needed it, but Nick Saban, the man who has everything, just got another Christmas present.

His nemesis just said, ‘‘No mas.”

His biggest rival just threw in the white towel.

The only man standing between him and world domination has decided to step aside and sit down.

Urban Meyer’s shocking resignation as the Florida coach, for health reasons, is an unhealthy development for SEC football.

It took Meyer just two years at Florida to take control of the nation’s best conference and, as a by-product, the nation.

It took Saban just three years at Alabama to catch and pass Meyer, but as long as Meyer was in command in Gainesville, Saban would have at least one worthy adversary.

No two coaches in the league, and maybe the sport, so closely resembled each other as driven and relentless winners.

Meyer’s legendary drive may have driven him out of the game, at least temporarily, at age 45.

Three weeks ago, hours after returning to Gainesville after losing the SEC Championship Game, he was taken to a local hospital.

He later told the Gainesville Sun he’d been suffering from chest pains.

Now comes word from The New York Times that the man who poured his heart and soul into his job lost consciousness that night. Meyer told the paper ``there was no heart damage,'' but his medical issues, while apparently not life-threatening, were severe enough to help end one very important chapter of his life.

Saban always portrays his competition with other coaches as business, not personal. His statement Saturday about Meyer, one of his few true peers, echoed that thought.

Read more! »

Fellow tailgaters,

This week it is Thanksgiving and the Iron Bowl. Lots of action. Before Coach makes his prediction, what should we all be thankful for football wise? Let’s get to it:

1. Alabama Thank Yous:

a. Mike Shula: Thank you for your efforts at Alabama. Coach loved the retro jersey and the waves/handshakes you gave us at the old Sheraton (now the Capstone).

b. Coach Shula again: Thanks for the recruits we all have seen become excellent players. It is a long list, but includes: Big Dre, Caldwell, Ro, Javy, Mike J, Rashad, etc.

c. John Parker Wilson: Thank you for keeping the crowd off of this year’s starter. Folks yelled and yelled for the back up QB last year, and now they have the back up QB…so they can’t criticize as much anymore.

d. Rolando: For being that force in the middle, the coach on the field, and a first team All-American. Good luck at the next level.

e. Mount Cody- For being the life of the party and one of the most popular players Coach has seen in a while.

f. Julio – For staying steady through injuries, and fighting triple teams and uncalled pass interferences. And thanks for wearing Coach’s favorite number. Juuullllliiiioooo.

g. Javy – Thoroughly entertaining player. Really going to miss him returning punts as he has been a mainstay since 2006. Remember when he would not ever take a fair catch?

h. Mark Ingram – Love your gracious attitude, your initial burst of speed, and your hard hitting style. Just glad we get to have you and Trent together one more year in the backfield.

i. Coach Nick Saban: Too much to say. You have improved Alabama as a program. You have willed the SEC and other teams to improve. You have made UA much better and also AU, UT, and MSU. You won two titles for LSU, and one was when you weren’t even coaching there. That is power.

2. Auburn Thank Yous for Nick Saban:

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So many things going on, so little time. Coach and a few others will be in Starkville Saturday. Before we talk about that, let’s look at some other commentary.

1. The UT arrests are funny and bad at the same time.

a. Funny because of some of the jokes out there…Coach’s favorite is the South Carolina fan who cracked “So we pump the gas, and then you rob us?” rebutting Kiffin’s comment to the recruit last winter.

b. Bad because it really keeps the train rolling about the perception of the SEC right now. Interested to see the media’s response to this.

2. What does Publix do with all those non-purchased cookies and bread loaves every night? They cook fresh every day supposedly, and Coach’s inherited genes from Big Hue see a food deal. Big Hue used to negotiate with Winn Dixie in AC and the Humphreys ate a lot of chicken from that deli.

3. Look for every team to play no huddle against Alabama. The pre-snap coaching and formation changing by Alabama will not be allowed by MSU, AU, UF, or a bowl team. It worked for Utah, and it worked a bit for LSU. Coach wonders why more teams have not done that. Just ask Bobby, Coach gets a tad bit irritated when we are pointing and shuffling around and aren’t set to play. Man, play some football.

4. Can we please stop showing our offensive formations and personnel grouping during TV timeouts? Please?

Read more! »

Fellow Tailgaters,
Isn’t it great to be #1 with our most hated (but not biggest) rival coming to town? On to the plan after some thoughts from the Ole' Tailgate Coach:

1. Coach is glad to see that UT asked permission about the orange jerseys. A few thoughts on that matter: Did UT ask permission when Phat Phil put his fat finger on the recorder? Did UT ask permission when Lance Thompson lied to the recruit in Atlanta to get him to decommit from Alabama? For that matter, did UT contact Alabama and ask permission to talk to Lance Thompson before they flew in to Tuscaloosa? You think Coach is fired up? Coach just bought a pacifier for Lane Kiffin yesterday at Publix. Coach will be taunting Kiffin at the game and will bring an extra one for Kiffin’s daddy Monte to give him during the game.

2. Coach ran into Paul Finebaum at lunch this week and can confirm that he is in on the joke. As Coach quizzed him about his callers and their insanity, Finebaum gave Coach a big smile and a thumb's up. Finebaum was pleasant and nice as always.

3. Thanks for the interview about our tailgate on collegesportsmatchups.com, which should be up later today. Chris Rushing is a good friend of the tailgate, and he describes our first encounter perfectly and mentions many of you who tailgate with us.

4. Coach went to the Birmingham Museum of Art for a short time this week. What a wonderful place that we have in Birmingham, and it is the first museum that Coach has visited in years that is not Bryant related. Coach received some culture this week folks.

5. How far has Spurrier fallen that he has gone from “Free Shoes University” and “can’t spell Citrus without UT” to tape on the field for field goals? His pokes aren’t quite as good as they used to be, but then again neither are his teams.

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Fellow tailgaters,

From storm troopers with GMc jerseys, to dinner beside the ESPN crew, to a run in with an SEC referee, to fried bird, etc…it was a full weekend capped off with a win. For more on the tailgate, the game, and the Ole’ Tailgate Coach’s thoughts, please read on:

1. As Coach ran into head referee Hubert Owens at the hotel Friday night, Coach realized that the refs are actually human. Owens was with his daughter and is a very pleasant person. Coach apologized for all of you “people out there that yell at refs” (:-D). We later saw him at Wings…

2. …where Saturday night Coach and Bobby ran into the entire ESPN TV crew. They were enjoying a late dinner, and please know that they had a HUGE security guard. Note to self (and Wings staff): if the guard wants extra ranch, let him have it.

3. Great to run into Javy’s family before the game. Nice folks who gave us the story of #28 coming to Alabama and details on his injury. We were worried about Javy playing after talking to them, and we hope he is OK.

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Alfy Hill a 4* DE from North Carolina chose Bama this morning.

Additional details can be found here.

8:07 am September 1, 2009, by Tony Barnhart

When Nick Saban signed his unprecedented eight-year, $32 million contract to be the head coach at Alabama, I told some friends that there would come a day when that deal would look like a bargain.

That day, as it turns out, is today.

Saban just signed a three-year contract extension which, if he stays for its entirety, will keep him in Tuscaloosa through the 2017 season. That’s nine more years.

The contract extension should have been longer. In fact, the school should have offered him a lifetime deal.

I’m serious.

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http://blog.al.com/bamabeat/2009/08/view_nick_sabans_commercial_fo.html

Harrison Jones, Scout.com three-star tight end from Cordova-Evangelical Christian, Tenn., and brother of Tide offensive lineman Barrett Jones, has committed to the University of Alabama.

Harrison Jones, son of Rex Jones who played basketball for the Tide, released the following statement to the media late Monday night.

"After a long time of prayer and careful consideration, I have given my verbal commitment to Coach Nick Saban to play football at the University of Alabama,” said Harrison Jones.

"Coach Saban was very encouraging and told me that I was making a great decision. He said it is an exciting time to join the program and I will have some great years at Alabama. I will work very hard to make him glad he has given me this incredible opportunity.”

Read more! »

Thanks to Hag for the you tube link. Coach has two questions:

1. This guy is a 4 star...so what does a 5 star running back look like?
2. Grant reminds Coach of Ced Kendrick back in the day at Benjamin Russell...was it against Minor his junior year when he went around the outside?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN1Q2mMQUcs

Sorry Aubs, we roll on as predicted by me this past weekend.

Corey Grant from Opelika commits to Bama

Brian Vogler, Scout.com three-star tight end from the Brookstone School in Columbus, Ga., announced Wednesday at a press conference his intentions to sign with the University of Alabama. Vogler chose the Crimson Tide over the Oklahoma Sooners.

"I like the closeness to home," he said. "I like that a lot. It's really sort of hard to explain. Whenever you go somewhere you want to feel like you have a little bit of home there. A couple of people from my school, and friends from other schools, are going to Alabama."

Read more! »

If it ends up being UA that would be great because Coach could see his 1st and 2nd teams...Coach

Tech-Notre Dame at the Georgia Dome?
8:45 am July 20, 2009, by Tony Barnhart

South Bend, Ind.—Maria and I had a wonderful weekend here as we took part in the College Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies. A very impressive group of players, including UCLA’s Troy Aikman, Oklahoma State’s Thurman Thomas, and Florida State’s Ron Simmons (of Warner Robins, Ga.) were enshrined into the Hall of Fame. The coaches included Lou Holtz, who won a national championship at Notre Dame and finished his career at South Carolina, John Cooper, the first coach to take a Pac-10 team (Arizona State) AND a Big Ten team (Ohio State) to the Rose Bowl, and former Georgia head coach Jim Donnan, who went in as a member of the divisional class for his success at Marshall.

Here are just a few nuggets from the weekend that might interest you:

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Athletic renovations closing in on final stages

By Christopher Walsh Sports Writer
Published: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, July 13, 2009 at 11:23 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | If it appears that most things related to University of Alabama football are currently under construction, you don’t know the half of it.

In addition to the huge cranes towering beyond the south end zone of Bryant-Denny Stadium, part of a $80.6 million expansion to bring capacity near 101,000, and the field being re-sodded, additional work at the football complex is closing in on its final stages.

The project, costing approximately $1.5 million, had the additional priority of being completely finished before the end of the month and the start of fall camp in early August.

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SEC most powerful a mixed bag
Randy Kennedy
Sunday, July 12, 2009

The most powerful people in the Southeastern Conference include the league commissioner, an athletic director, two football coaches and a man who shares a name with the most famous person in league history.

That's the opinion of the Orlando Sentinel, a newspaper with a strong reputation for covering sports in the Southeast. The Sentinel made some predictable and some surprising selections in compiling a list, published this week, of the 10 most powerful people in the SEC.

Of course, any such list is subjective. How do you compare a person who donates millions of dollars to a particular athletic program with a coach who wins championships on the field or even a media member whose power is derived from his ability to influence opinion?

The Sentinel's list is led by SEC Commissioner Mike Slive. To pick anybody else for the top spot would be like arguing that someone other than Barack Obama is the most powerful person in Washington. Besides, Slive has overseen the most lucrative payouts to member institutions in NCAA history — and money usually equals power.

Following Slive, in order, were Alabama football coach Nick Saban, Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley, Florida football coach Urban Meyer, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, super agent Jimmy Sexton, new Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari, syndicated radio talk show host and Press-Register columnist Paul Finebaum, controversial attorney for NCAA-troubled programs Michael "The Cleaner" Glazier and Alabama booster Paul Bryant Jr.

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A nice way to celebrate the 70 day mark from kickoff.

Elite Safety Commits to Bama

Isn't it funny that Tiger Prowl and Big Cat weekend hasn't produced anything. Bama will own the state once again.

Tide Lands 3 commitments Saturday

Check out the video gallery...Coach

http://coachsaban.net/

NCAA: Alabama violations potentially major
By Tommy Deas Executive Sports Editor
Published: Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 2:16 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 2:16 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | The NCAA found “potential for major violations” in the University of Alabama’s student-athlete textbook scandal and Alabama’s response “substantially admits that the infractions occurred,” according to docments released by UA on Thursday.
Alabama released more than 160 pages of documents detailing its investation into the textbook distribution case that surfaced in the fall of 2007 and resulted in the suspension of five football players -- including lineman Antoine Caldwell and running back Glen Coffee -- for four games in the 2007 season.
UA officials appeared before the NCAA Committee on Infractions in San Diego on Feb. 20. Alabama has yet to receive a response.

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No SEC team in top 4...Coach

The Leach drama sparked a question: What are the true destination jobs?
Factors: Recent success, tradition, facilities, athletic department, money

If Mike Leach hadn't interviewed with Washington in December without informing the Texas Tech brass, the Red Raiders' football program probably wouldn't have nearly imploded last week. In fact, much of the animosity toward Leach stemmed from the perception he possesses a wandering eye.

This should have been expected. Texas Tech has never been an elite program and only recently became a pretty good one, so it's reasonable to expect the coach to entertain the idea of leaving for a program with more tradition, more resources or both. Still, some Texas Tech people, from a few powerful decision-makers to run-of-the-mill fans, suffered from the delusion that Leach already holds a destination job.

He most certainly does not. But the debacle raised an interesting question. What are the true destination jobs in college football? Which jobs would draw a résumé from every coach in America if they opened, and which coaches should be committed if they left one of those jobs for any reason other than an NFL job or a peaceful retirement on their own, booster-funded private island?

A lot of factors determine whether a program boasts a destination job. Recent success, tradition, stability, facilities, athletic department management and handling of past coaches all play a role. In the final analysis, only 12 jobs made the cut.

The Platinum Standard
These are the best jobs in America. These programs should win at least 10 games every year, and their coaches should be among the nation's highest paid. They should win a national title at least once every 10 years or so, and they should begin each season as a national-title contender.

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Not sure I ever thought I would say that one.

Read about Dre' Kirkpatrick

Published: Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 12:06 a.m.
There’s no date stamped on the forehead of University of Alabama football fans. There is no computer bar code on the back of their hand to help check for freshness. But scientific observation has now determined how long a Crimson Tide fan can go before he or she is spoiled.

Two years.

In three classes of Nick Saban recruiting, stretching from February 2007 until February 2009, Crimson Tide fans have moved rapidly on the following path: from hopeful, to deliriously exuberant, to downright expectant of the No. 1 recruiting class in America.

And, like an indulgent daddy, Saban delivered again. Rivals, at least, said so, putting Alabama’s class at No. 1 in the nation for a second straight year. Scout, which uses a different formula, also had Alabama No. 1. ESPN, which — at least in the eyes of Alabama fans — must use a Ouija board and a team of interior decorators to evaluate classes, rated Alabama at No. 6. (Personally, I think diversity of opinion is great, but that’s just me. And late in the evening, ESPN apparently fired the interior decorators and put Alabama’s class at No. 2 in a recount.)

Read more! »

Read on SI

Coach agrees with Scarbinsky on this one...Coach

Posted by Kevin Scarbinsky -- Birmingham News January 25, 2009 7:27 AM
Benedict Arnold.

Lance Thompson and James Willis?

Please.

On the list of history's great traitors, assistant football coaches don't even deserve honorable mention.

Or, in this case, dishonorable mention.

I'd never seen football fans in this state lose perspective as quickly, loudly and badly over such a routine bit of business as they did when Thompson left Alabama for Tennessee.

Until Willis left Auburn for Alabama.

The fan bases of the Tide and Tigers have something new in common.

Both should be ashamed of themselves.

Exactly what high crimes and misdemeanors did Thompson and Willis commit?

They didn't betray God or country, Nick Saban or Pat Dye.

Thompson didn't blow up Denny Chimes, and Willis didn't chop down the Toomer's Corner tree.

All they did was change jobs.

That's what this is to them, you know.

Read more! »

A glimpse...

click here to read more

Posted by Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register December 22, 2008 11:59 AM
Categories: Football, Recruiting

Alabama coach Nick Saban sure was in a hurry during his post-practice press conference Saturday.

We can probably assume it had to do with a bevy of recruits in town to watch Saturday's practice. From a reporter's perspective, the problem with writing about this sort of thing is that NCAA rules are pretty clear in restricting colleges from publicizing anything having to do with visiting recruits. On Saturday, no one from UA (coaches, players, anyone) would have been allowed to comment on who was there or not. We were even asked to refrain from taking their pictures from our viewing area.

Now I recognized a few recruits, like Pensacola's Trent Richardson, right away. But imagine the dilemma when you notice a 6-foot-3 or so prospect hanging out near Alabama's receivers on the other side of the field far from reporters. He looked an awful lot like Louisiana receiver Rueben Randle, otherwise known as arguably the nation's top football prospect.

It took a while for anyone to confirm it, but as CrimsonConfidential.com learned by talking to another prospect at practice, that was Randle on campus.

And in the recruiting world, that is relatively big news.

If Randle is not the top remaining target on Alabama's board, he probably should be. He is the five-star of the five stars. Rivals.com has him as the nation's top prospect. Pretty much everyone agrees that the Bastrop, La., quarterback/rushing threat/top-notch receiver will be a sure-fire and immediate star on the next level.

Read more! »

By KEN SUGIURA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, December 19, 2008

Nick Saban didn’t have to be talked into playing in the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff for a second year in a row.

The Alabama coach believes playing in the inaugural game last year helped propel the Crimson Tide to its 12-1 record and its five-week run at No. 1 in the BCS standings.

Alabama will play Virginia Tech in the 2009 kickoff game, to be held on Sept. 5 at the Georgia Dome.

“I think it really motivated our players in the offseason to work hard and prepare well for what was going to be a very challenging and exciting game,” Saban said Friday on a teleconference to announce the game. “I think it made our team better in a lot of ways.”

The game likely will match two teams that should start the season in the top 10 or 15. In this year’s game, Alabama, then ranked 24th in the AP poll, upset then-No. 9 Clemson in a game that set the tone for both teams’ seasons.

Saban and Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer both saw the game as a vehicle for exposure, a benefit to recruiting, and as Saban noted, an aid to motivate players during the offseason. Neither saw much downside.

“If you’re going to lose, lose early to a great football team,” Beamer said. “If you can win, it helps, but if you lose, I don’t think you’re out of it.”

Read more! »

By Andrew Bone
Published: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 5:09 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 5:09 p.m.

James Carpenter, Scout.com four-star offensive tackle from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide on Wednesday.

“I was real excited about faxing in my signature to Alabama this morning. I am glad it’s over with and to get to Alabama,” Carpenter stated.

Many fans had hoped Carpenter would get a jump-start with his new team and practice for the Tide’s game against Utah in the Sugar Bowl. Instead, Carpenter will observe from the sidelines and begin practice in the spring.

Read more! »

Andrew Bone
Published: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 5:46 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 5:46 p.m.

Coach Nick Saban has been on the recruiting trail with stops all across the country. Mississippi is the latest state he has blanketed visiting several elite playmakers from the Magnolia State.

The University of Alabama coach was not in a casino Tuesday afternoon, but he did hit a jackpot with the latest commitment.

Kevin Norwood, Scout.com three-star wide receiver from D'Iberville High School in Biloxi, Miss., has pledged his services to the Tide.

"I committed to Alabama," Norwood said. "Coach [Nick] Saban and Coach [Burton] Burns were here today visiting with me and my mom. I just love everything about Alabama."

Read more! »

Published: Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, December 1, 2008 at 10:57 p.m.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban wanted Bryant-Denny Stadium packed with recruits for the Iron Bowl, and for good reason.

The team has remained focused on one game at a time, but you know the players were eager to face the Auburn Tigers in Tuscaloosa to end the six-game win streak.

The Tide finished the regular season undefeated, a task which seemed unlikely in August with several tough road games on the schedule.

Alabama will play for the SEC Championship this weekend against the Florida Gators, and a victorious Tide will land in Miami playing for the National Championship.

Coach Saban's first year reeled in the No. 1 recruiting class, and his second year has the Tide with the No. 1 team in the country.

Read more! »

Published: Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 9:05 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 9:05 p.m.
James Carpenter, Scout.com four-star junior college offensive tackle from Coffeyville, Kansas, committed Saturday night to Alabama.

"That is the place for me. I can start over there next year and take Andre Smith's spot, and I want to win," said James Carpenter. "They have coach Saban, and they have Coach Petry, and I feel like he can make me the best offensive lineman I can possibly be."

Carpenter sent a text to the Alabama coaches after the game to inform them of his decision. He will graduate in December and enroll at Alabama in January.

Visit TideSports.com for Andrew Bone's recruiting coverage. Reach Andrew Bone at abone@scout.com.

10 Burning Questions
by WarDamnZach on Nov 25, 2008 5:51 AM CST

It being Iron Bowl Week, I had to have a chat with a couple of the classiest Bama fans on the planet. They love the Tide, like most of us love our Tigers. I forced myself to only 10 questions, I wanted to touch on a variety of subjects and hope that I at least asked one good question. Don’t hate on me or them too badly, for not asking or getting the answer you were expecting. Enjoy!

WDZ - What are your immediate thoughts on the 2008 Iron Bowl?

MV – The team with the best talent usually wins the Iron Bowl. Also the team that owns the line of scrimmage wins the Iron Bowl. We have the most talent, and should, and I say again… should own the line. Auburn’s O-line is a bit undersized, Alabama’s line is huge. Your D-line is crazy fast, but ours is again… huge. In 2002 Bama had the most talent, yet we were out coached. That was a different time. Saban will not be out coached.

CH - Quick thoughts… unless we have a couple of turnovers and give Auburn the ball on our side of the 50, we should win. We are bigger up front, have confidence, and are playing at home. That equals an Alabama win.

WDZ - Is this the biggest game in the last 15- 20 years for Bama?

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Start of a great week for Bama.

Chris Bonds, the 6-foot-4, 275-pound Scout.com four-star defensive end from Richland Northeast High School in Columbia, S.C., has committed to the University of Alabama.

"I'll be calling coach Nick Saban tomorrow [Monday] morning and letting him know," Bonds told Scout.com.

"My birthday was last Thursday, and I thought about committing then, but decided to wait. I didn't really know how I was supposed to do this. I know guys have press conferences and stuff like that, but that's not what I wanted to do."

Read more! »

Unlike others contenders, No. 1 Tide can win ugly and still play for BCS title

Nick Saban's Crimson Tide is in the driver's seat to the BCS championship game, writes contributor Ray Glier.

OPINION
By Ray Glier
NBCSports.com contributor
updated 1:24 a.m. CT, Tues., Nov. 4, 2008

Nick Saban doesn’t have to blow the horn to get the attention of the polls. He’s No. 1, you’re not.

He can go about his business as the Grinch and he doesn’t have to care what you think. Saban is delighted to be No. 1, not just because it is No. 1, but because he can stay out of the political fray of the BCS and who beat whom and who has the better resume.

Nobody hates melodrama more than Nick Saban. Go ahead, talk about the BCS all you want. He doesn’t have to this week.

If Alabama wins modestly at No. 15 LSU on Saturday and stays unbeaten in the regular season, then takes down Florida in the SEC championship game, the Crimson Tide will be in Miami to play for the national championship. Win big? Who needs it?

The one-loss behemoths — Florida, Oklahoma, Southern California, and Texas — need it. That’s why the teams in the path of the Gators, Sooners, Trojans, and Longhorns should shudder because the big boys need some credit-worthiness to get into the national title game. So, 45-7, or worse, is coming at you Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, Cal, Baylor.

Meanwhile, the teams in the path of No. 1 Alabama — well, maybe not you Auburn — should rest easier. Saban can settle for a 10-7 win.

Read more! »

Woman Robbed With Knife At Bloomfield ATM

POSTED: 4:03 pm EDT October 23, 2008
UPDATED: 8:34 pm EDT October 23, 2008

PITTSBURGH -- A 20-year-old woman who was robbed at an ATM in Bloomfield was also maimed by her attacker, apparently because of her political views, Pittsburgh police said.

According to WTAE's news exchange partners at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Ashley Todd, of College Station, Texas, was using an ATM at Liberty Avenue and Pearl Street just before 9 p.m. Wednesday when a man approached her and put a knife to her throat.

Police spokeswoman Diane Richard said the robber took $60 from Todd, then became angry when he saw a McCain bumper sticker on the victim's car. The attacker then punched and kicked the victim, before using the knife to scratch the letter "B" into her face, Richard said.

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ESPN.com news services

NEW YORK -- The grid is set for the race to the BCS National Championship Game.

Texas holds the pole position and Alabama is second. Penn State joins the Longhorns and Crimson Tide in the front row, but the Nittany Lions already might have too much ground to gain.

The Longhorns were way ahead of the field when the season's first Bowl Championship Series standings were released Sunday -- as expected. Texas appears to be in position to play for the national title on Jan. 8 in Miami if it can stay unbeaten. The top two teams in the final BCS standings play for the championship.

Texas is an overwhelming No. 1 in the USA Today coaches' poll and the Harris Poll, and rated first in each of the six computer rankings, giving the Longhorns a BCS grade of .998 out of 1.000.

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Published: Sunday, October 5, 2008 at 4:05 p.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, October 5, 2008 at 4:05 p.m.
Darrington Sentimore, Scout.com four-star defensive tackle from Destrehan High School in Louisiana, committed to the Crimson Tide.

"I committed to Alabama today," Sentimore said. "I like the tradition they have and coach Nick Saban too."

Sentimore (6-2.5, 266) reported 150 total tackles, including 16 sacks as a junior. He was named All-State for his performance and becomes commitment No. 16 for Alabama.

Look for a more detailed interview Monday.

Visit TideSports.com for Andrew Bone's recruiting coverage.