Nick Saban, the legendary head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, has had the privilege of mentoring some of the most talented quarterbacks in college football history. Among them is Jalen Milroe, a player who, after several years of hard work, determination, and growth, saw his dreams come true when he was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The moment was a testament to the quarterback’s journey, both in the shadow of some of college football’s brightest stars and in his own right, and it was a moment of deep pride for Saban, who had a front-row seat to Milroe’s development and success.
Saban’s career has been defined by his ability to develop talent and prepare players for the next level. He’s coached a long list of Alabama quarterbacks who have gone on to play in the NFL, from the likes of Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones to the current crop of top-tier prospects. Jalen Milroe was no different, a highly-touted recruit who arrived in Tuscaloosa with immense potential but a long road ahead to harnessing his skill set and turning it into consistent on-field performance.
When Milroe first came to Alabama, he was already viewed as a physical specimen, with the type of athleticism and arm strength that could make him a dynamic quarterback. Standing at 6-foot-2 and possessing elite speed, Milroe had all the tools needed to succeed at the highest level of college football. However, what set him apart was his relentless work ethic and a mentality that Saban has often praised as being one of the most important aspects of being a successful football player. Milroe’s ability to embrace the challenges that came with playing for one of the most storied programs in college football made him an easy player for Saban to mentor.
However, like many quarterbacks, Milroe’s journey was not without its struggles. While he possessed the raw talent, he had to learn the nuances of the position, improve his decision-making, and develop an understanding of the mental side of the game. He spent time behind the scenes, working with Saban and Alabama’s offensive coaching staff, constantly refining his craft. It was a process of continual growth, one that saw Milroe take his lumps in limited playing time behind established starters, but also gradually gain confidence and experience in pressure situations.
Milroe’s biggest opportunity came when he was thrust into a starting role, a moment that both Saban and Milroe would look back on as the true turning point in his development. His transition to the starting quarterback position wasn’t without its challenges, as the expectations were high for an Alabama quarterback to perform at a championship level. In the beginning, Milroe faced growing pains as he adapted to the spotlight, but what stood out was his resilience. Time and again, he showed his ability to learn from his mistakes and improve with each game.
While Milroe’s skill set was undeniable, it was his mental fortitude that ultimately allowed him to make the leap to the NFL. Under Saban’s watchful eye, Milroe became a more polished quarterback, capable of making the big throws, managing the game, and utilizing his athleticism to extend plays. His journey at Alabama was filled with ups and downs, but Saban saw firsthand how the quarterback’s growth mirrored the qualities of successful NFL quarterbacks—toughness, adaptability, and an unwavering desire to improve.
It was no surprise that Milroe’s efforts were finally rewarded when he received the call on draft day. For Saban, that moment was incredibly fulfilling. As a coach who prides himself on helping players reach their fullest potential, seeing Milroe selected in the third round of the NFL Draft was a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifices, and growth. It was validation that the foundation that Saban and his coaching staff helped lay for Milroe was strong enough to help him succeed at the next level.
For Saban, the pride he felt wasn’t just about Milroe’s selection in the NFL Draft—it was about the entire journey. It was about watching a young man who had been through highs and lows, both on and off the field, finally see the fruits of his labor come to life. Saban knows what it takes to succeed in the NFL, and he has had countless conversations with players about how difficult that transition is, especially for quarterbacks. That’s why, when Milroe’s name was called, it wasn’t just another victory for Alabama football. It was a moment that encapsulated everything Saban stands for: development, perseverance, and ultimately, success.
Of course, the Alabama program has a long and storied history of producing NFL talent, especially at the quarterback position. But for Saban, Milroe’s draft selection was special for another reason. It wasn’t about the player’s physical gifts or even his football IQ—it was about the person that Milroe had become throughout his time in Tuscaloosa. He had learned to handle adversity, be accountable for his mistakes, and grow as a leader on and off the field. These are the qualities that make a quarterback successful in the NFL, and these are the qualities Saban has always stressed to his players. When Milroe’s name was called, it was as if all of Saban’s teachings and guidance had culminated in one defining moment.
Milroe’s selection also spoke to the strength of Alabama’s football program under Saban. While the Crimson Tide has had its fair share of marquee quarterbacks—like Tagovailoa, Jones, and Bryce Young—Milroe’s success showed that Saban’s coaching philosophy isn’t about one individual player. It’s about the collective effort of the program, the development of each individual player, and the commitment to excellence that permeates through every aspect of the team. Milroe’s rise to the NFL draft wasn’t just a reflection of his own talent, but of the environment Saban has cultivated at Alabama, one that fosters growth and prepares players for the next level.
Saban has always emphasized that the most important thing for any player is their willingness to learn, their ability to work hard, and their commitment to the team. For Milroe, this message was clear from the moment he arrived in Tuscaloosa. Even when things didn’t go as planned, he remained focused on his goals and kept pushing forward. Saban has long been a coach who knows how to bring out the best in his players, and Milroe is the latest example of that. The quarterback’s draft selection in 2025 was a result of his own dedication, but it also showcased the impact that Saban’s leadership has had on Alabama’s players.
In the end, Milroe’s selection in the NFL Draft was a moment of great joy and pride for Nick Saban. It wasn’t just another win for Alabama football—it was a personal achievement, a reflection of Saban’s philosophy, and a testament to the program’s ability to produce NFL-caliber talent. For Milroe, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in his football career, one that he had worked tirelessly for. And for Saban, it was another reminder of why he continues to do what he does—helping players achieve their dreams, both on and off the field.