Talking About the Tide’s Top Quarterbacks and Getting “Sh*t” from Nick Saban, the Former Alabama Wide Receiver
When you think of Alabama football, images of dominant defenses, powerhouse running backs, and the steadfast leadership of coach Nick Saban immediately come to mind. However, it’s the quarterbacks who often become the focal point of both admiration and criticism in the world of college football, especially at a powerhouse program like Alabama. Over the years, Alabama has seen its share of talented quarterbacks, from the days of Joe Namath to the more recent Heisman Trophy winners and national champions like Bryce Young and Tua Tagovailoa. However, one consistent figure in Alabama football’s success has been the coaching genius of Nick Saban, and his relationship with quarterbacks is a unique mix of high expectations, intense competition, and, of course, a healthy dose of “sh*t talk.”
This article dives into the history of Alabama’s top quarterbacks under Nick Saban’s reign, the relationship between the coach and his quarterbacks, and the humorous yet tough criticism that has become a hallmark of Saban’s approach. It also highlights a notable example of a former Alabama wide receiver who has some thoughts on Saban’s quarterback drama.
Nick Saban’s Relentless Quest for Perfection
Nick Saban is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of college football. His formula for success at Alabama has been built on a foundation of discipline, meticulous preparation, and a no-nonsense approach. But when it comes to quarterbacks, Saban’s standards are famously high, and he doesn’t shy away from letting his players – and everyone else – know when they fall short.
Saban has made it clear that he expects a quarterback to be the “leader of the team,” a player who understands the game at a deep level and can execute his game plan with precision. Quarterbacks at Alabama are expected not only to be skilled on the field but also to handle the immense pressure that comes with playing for one of the most storied programs in college football history.
Since arriving at Alabama in 2007, Saban has had an impressive list of quarterbacks. Some have risen to superstardom, while others have struggled to meet the lofty expectations set by Saban and the Crimson Tide faithful. Let’s take a look at the quarterbacks who have made their mark under Saban’s watch and the “tough love” they often received in the process.
The Rise of Alabama’s Quarterbacks Under Saban
Alabama’s quarterback play has evolved over the course of Nick Saban’s tenure. While early in his career, Alabama was known more for its bruising running game and dominating defense, Saban eventually adapted to the changing landscape of college football, integrating more dynamic quarterbacks who could pass the ball effectively.
Greg McElroy (2007-2010)
The first Alabama quarterback to truly thrive under Nick Saban was Greg McElroy. McElroy was the steady and efficient leader of Alabama’s 2009 national championship team. He wasn’t the most physically gifted quarterback, but he had excellent decision-making skills and an ability to manage the game. McElroy is the epitome of the type of quarterback that Nick Saban has always wanted: a smart, disciplined player who doesn’t make mistakes and can lead his team to victory. That said, McElroy had his fair share of moments when Saban’s tough love came into play. Nick was always critical, pushing McElroy to be better, to avoid mistakes, and to understand the nuances of the game at an even deeper level.
AJ McCarron (2010-2013)
AJ McCarron took over after McElroy and quickly became one of the most successful quarterbacks in Alabama history. Under McCarron, Alabama won two national championships (2011 and 2012), and McCarron became the face of Alabama football. McCarron was a more dynamic quarterback than his predecessor, with a stronger arm and more playmaking ability. But despite his success, McCarron was never immune to Saban’s critiques. In fact, McCarron’s relationship with Saban was often marked by some heated exchanges and tough moments. Saban’s perfectionist nature never allowed McCarron to rest on his laurels, and while the quarterback helped lead the Tide to national championships, he was constantly challenged to be better.
Blake Sims (2014)
Blake Sims’ time as Alabama’s quarterback is often overlooked but marked a turning point in the Tide’s offensive philosophy. Sims wasn’t the typical Saban quarterback – he was a mobile playmaker who could make things happen outside the pocket. He led Alabama to the College Football Playoff in 2014, but his time as a starter was also marked by frustrations with Saban. Despite leading the offense, Sims faced frequent criticism for his decision-making and execution. For a coach as meticulous as Saban, there’s little room for error, especially at quarterback.
Jake Coker (2015)
After Sims, Jake Coker took over the starting role in 2015. Like McCarron, Coker was a pocket passer who was known for his calm demeanor and leadership. In his only season as a starter, Coker led Alabama to a national championship. However, much like the others before him, Coker faced his fair share of criticism from Saban. Whether it was his footwork, his decision-making, or his ability to execute the offense under pressure, Saban pushed him to perform at the highest level. Coker’s story highlights the constant challenge that comes with playing quarterback at Alabama – even if you’re leading your team to national championships, there’s always room for improvement in Saban’s eyes.
The Modern-Day Quarterbacks: Tua, Jalen, and Bryce
The 2010s and 2020s saw an evolution in Alabama’s quarterback play. No longer just relying on game managers, Nick Saban turned his attention to developing more dynamic quarterbacks who could change the game with their arms and legs. The result was a shift in the type of quarterback recruited to Tuscaloosa, starting with Jalen Hurts.
Jalen Hurts (2016-2018)
Jalen Hurts was one of the most dynamic quarterbacks to ever play for Alabama. Hurts was a dual-threat quarterback who led the Crimson Tide to the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game as a true freshman. However, Hurts’ time at Alabama was marred by constant quarterback controversy. Despite his early success, Hurts faced harsh criticism from Saban, particularly when it came to his passing ability. The most memorable moment came in the 2018 national championship game when Saban benched Hurts in favor of Tua Tagovailoa, a move that ultimately led to a national title. This move sparked headlines and left Hurts with a chip on his shoulder. His relationship with Saban remained tense for a period, but Hurts’ resilience paid off as he transferred to Oklahoma, where he became a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Tua Tagovailoa (2017-2019)
Tua Tagovailoa became Alabama’s most prolific quarterback in recent memory, bringing a high-powered passing attack to the Crimson Tide offense. Tagovailoa was everything Saban had wanted in a quarterback: intelligent, efficient, and able to make throws from anywhere on the field. But even with his undeniable success, Saban was known to be critical of Tua. In fact, there were times when Saban’s public comments seemed a little harsh, but it was clear that the coach expected perfection. Tua’s performance at the NFL level has shown that Saban’s tough approach paid off.
Bryce Young (2020-2022)
The most recent star quarterback at Alabama, Bryce Young, was also under the watchful eye of Nick Saban. Young won the 2021 Heisman Trophy and led Alabama to the national championship game, where the Tide fell short. Young’s skillset was perfect for the modern college football game, with his exceptional arm strength, mobility, and poise. Even with his Heisman win, Young was not exempt from Saban’s critiques. As a perfectionist, Saban continually pushed Young to improve, whether it was his decision-making or his leadership in pressure situations.
A Former Wide Receiver Speaks Up
While Saban’s relationship with his quarterbacks has been widely discussed, it’s interesting to hear from those who played alongside the quarterbacks – particularly a former Alabama wide receiver, Javier Arenas, who played under Saban from 2007 to 2009. Arenas, who went on to have a successful career in the NFL, has spoken candidly about Saban’s leadership style.
Arenas has shared that one of the things he noticed about Saban’s approach to quarterbacks was his “tough love.” He describes it as a constant balancing act of trust and criticism. Saban expects his quarterbacks to be leaders, but he also knows that they will face moments of failure. When Saban delivers criticism, it’s often not a personal attack – it’s a push to elevate the player’s game to the highest level possible.
“I’ve seen Saban rip into some quarterbacks, but it’s always about pushing them to be better,” Arenas said. “He doesn’t hold back, but that’s because he knows the potential of the player. If he thinks you can be a great quarterback, he’s going to demand greatness, even if it means ‘getting sh*t’ from him.”