You know, it just seems like yesterday when the entire sports world was shocked and outraged at the fact that Alabama would pay someone $4 million per year to coach football at the University of Alabama.
I can recall sportswriters, ESPN media types, and other schools' fans calling Alabama fools for shelling out that kind of money for a football coach named Nick Saban.
Well, who looks foolish now?
Alabama's investment is paying off bigger than the Powerball lottery!
Alabama has gone from the outhouse to the penthouse in 20 short months. Leave it to some good old boys from down south to know a real bargain when they see one.
Check out the return on our investment
Contributions are up!
Ticket sales are up!
Television revenue is up!
Licensed Alabama merchandise sales are up.
Enrollment is up!
Fan morale is up!
Student morale is up!
Recruiting is up.
BCS ranking is up!
Outlook on life is up!
You name it, it is up!
Alabama is making money above and beyond Coach Saban's salary at a record pace!
Have a look at these numbers.
The football program generated just over $43 million for 2006 (about the same as the previous year), including $14 million in outside contributions, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press under an open records request.
Last year, the program had revenues of more than $53 million, a jump of some 19 percent. The contributions rose even more dramatically, up 28 percent to $19.5 million. And that was before the Tide really started winning.
Alabama's season ticket sales now have a 10,000 person waiting list. These are seats that come with a $100.00 to $2000.00 per seat contribution requirement.
For those of you that doubted Alabama's wisdom in paying Saban $4 million a year to coach college kids football, ask yourself this question:
If it were your money, would you rather invest $4 million in a proven coach, or gamble $2 million on a long shot?
I think you know the answer to that question.
The old saying "you get what you pay for" applies here, and believe me, we are ecstatic with our investment.
With the Stock Market destroying 401k and retirement portfolios, it would seem that there are still great investments out there to be had.
Yes, it has been a wonderful deal for both Coach Saban and Alabama.
He got a great school with great tradition and a loyal fanbase—a place he can write his name in the history books.
We got the most talented coach in all of college football to lead Alabama back to Glory.
Just think, Coach Saban actually took a cut in pay to come back and coach college kids at Alabama. Most people would find that admirable.
Some people down in South Florida just didn't see it that way. They seemed a bit hurt and angry about Saban's choice.
Those folks had nothing but insults and accusations for Alabama and Coach Saban. Yes, I am talking about people like Don Shula, Bob Griese, and especially you Dan Le Batard. I know you fellows were only thinking of your own self-interests at the time.
Please don't feel bad. We Alabama fans got over it.
Can I ask you guys a question? What do you think about us now?
Just like in life, you get what you pay for. If you buy a used Plymouth you just won't go very far. On the other hand, if you purchase a Rolls Royce and you might just go all the way!
Coach Saban, college football's first $4 million man. Worth every damn dime!
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about 1 month ago
He was also on the cover of Forbes magazine. A financial magazine, not SI or Sporting News. Alabama had to turn people away for his first spring game. Not bad for a fanbase that has had exactly 1 solid coach out of how many since the Bear died. Perkins and Curry were terrible, Stallings was the best, Dubose somehow won an SEC title, Price never coached a real game, Franchione hightailed it out of town, Shula somehow won 10 games, and now people want to complain that a school pays a ton of cash for a proven winner. For a program that once was looking at the death penalty, Saban is worth every penny, considering where they are right now.
from about 1 month ago
Michael, you are so right! Just like in life you get what you pay for. The old computer saying... "garbage in, garbage out" comes to mind.
Buy a cheap used car and you won't go far. Buy a Rolls Royce and you might go all the way!
about 1 month ago
"Just think, Coach Saban actually took a cut in pay to come back and coach college kids at Alabama. Most people would find that admirable."
let's not get crazy. while i agree that saban is worth every penny, going to the pros was a mistake as he himself readily admits. he was his happiest coaching college kids so he went to a school with an opening. but it was him learning from a mistake and had little to do with altruistic motives.
from about 1 month ago
Justin, we agree on something. Saban admitted it was a mistake. He was happier coaching kids. He did take a 1 million dollar cut to make the move back. I don't know about you, but that sounds like an expensive decision.
As for Saban's motives, I have to look up altruistic and get back to you on that one.
Thanks for your comment
from about 1 month ago
lol. thanks franklin. an expensive decision is more like it, but i don't think he'll be(or any other college coach these days) applying for food stamps anytime soon.
about 1 month ago
I whole heartly agree. If you have a coach that can rebuild that quickly, he's surely worth the money. Just think, he is a year or two away from putting his best team out there. That says a lot for Alabama and Nick Saban. He may be hated, but the guy can coach.
from about 1 month ago
Edmon, I also thought we were a couple of years away form these kinds of results. I really thought 2010 would be our coming out year.
I knew Saban could do wonders with a football team, but I was surprised by this years miracle!
Thanks for contributing buddy.
about 1 month ago
I think Coach Saban is earning his keep. What a turn around with the Tide. At the beginning of the season I was kidding about the fact that we was about 2 convictions away from having a good team. I'm very glad Coach Saban is cleaning out the riff-raff from this football team and he has had his hands full. The winning is coming much sooner than expected.
Now let's take it too Mississippi State tomorrow night.
Roll Tide Roll ..!!
from about 1 month ago
Jim, as Coach Saban says it is a process. He did have a mess on his hands when he arrived at "The Capstone". Coach Shula is a fine young man, but I am afraid he ran his team the "Pro" way due to his 15 years as an assistant there.
The "Pro" way is as long as a player shows up to practice his personal life is none of the coaches business. I am afraid discipline was not his biggest concern.
Saban has quieted things down considerably. He gave everyone a chance to change their ways, and many took him up on that offer. Those that didn't quietly disappeared. Another great return for Alabama's money!
Thank you for reading.
about 1 month ago
Ha. I got to thinking about an ESPN announcer during the Clemson game saying "Did I just hear something about Alabama giving Nick Saban a raise?" when I read this article.
Good job. Nick Saban is definitely proven that he can coach a football team. It wasn't about the money I don't think. I honestly think it was more about Saban realizing how great Alabama could be. Tradition and history is what has kept Alabama going all these years and that says something to a coach coming into a new program. So, while history and tradition have kept us going, Saban and the future Alabama Crimson Tide football teams will keep us going. :)
Roll Tide,
Bama Chick
about 1 month ago
Cameon, I wrote a blog one time that said, "If Coach Saban wanted to write his name in the history books, then Alabama was the perfect vehicle for that journey".
I still believe that!
Thank you for reading, and for leaving a comment.
about 1 month ago
If I were a Bama fan I would keep this kind of info under wraps, seriously
Publicizing how good Saban is doing is for your University only attracting interest from other schools.
Saban and his agent have said he wants to be the first Coach to win championships at multiple schools
The sooner Saban wins a ring for Bama the sooner he will be G O N E !!!!
Penn St , The Irish , Ohio, USC or you pick em will make a larger offer than $4m and your beloved
couch will be gone faster than you can say Wooo Tide.
Enjoy the ride while you can but you are fooling yourself if you think Saban BLEEDS CRIMSON.
from about 1 month ago
Greg get over it.You seem to overlook the fact that the crimson tide is a sec team.There is no other confrence that come close to the talent and coaching ability rising from these football institutions.I dont see coach Saban leaving anytime in the future to mix with mut mustangs when he's running with the thoroughbreds.If money becomes an issue theres plenty more where it came from.And remember astronauts aren't the highest paid people around,but you wont find one who would be doing another job. BAMAMANinKENTUCKY
from about 1 month ago
Saban's not going anywhere. He has the two things he wants in a coaching job: money and control. So, he's not leaving for another school. Trust me.
And, "wooo Tide"? WTF? Please, tell me you can come up with a better insult.
from about 1 month ago
So, do you think that the other schools won't know how well he's doing if we don't talk about it here? Isn't it a bit hard to be inconspicuous while leading a top tier program that happens to be 11 - 0 and #1 in all major polls? LOL
The problem the previous coaches have encountered seem to hinge upon the fact that they lacked a stable of good talent (at least in part because of the probation), they were not attracting talent because of inconsistent seasons, and a number of other factors. The difference now is that Alabama has possibly the most talented young crop of talent in the country and they're already winning. I think the success of Les Miles after Saban left is a testament to the fact that even if Saban bails after a few years, it's very conceivable that the Tide will be able to find another quality coach, as LSU did, to come in and continue to the success of a winning program that has been re-established. Alabama is already loaded with talent, and every recruiting season that passes while Saban is there will only build the program deeper and deeper. This year Alabama is serving notice that days of Mississippi St., LSU, Tennessee, and Auburn dominating the tide are over. So, the rest of the SEC can just deal with. A new day is dawning and all the whining fans of teams with disappointing seasons know it.
about 1 month ago
Greg, gee we never thought about that, That is the fist time we heard that one. Penn St, The Irish, and USC, oh my! You mean Lion, Tigers, and Bears, OH MY!
Thanks for leaving that.
about 1 month ago
That is funny,, wasnt it more like,, Spartans, Tigers and Dolfins, OH MY!
about 1 month ago
Really ,, How long do you expect to hold on to CNS?
from about 1 month ago
Greg, long enough to get it done!
Thanks for commenting again, and again!
from about 1 month ago
The problem the previous coaches have encountered seem to hinge upon the fact that they lacked a stable of good talent (at least in part because of the probation), they were not attracting talent because of inconsistent seasons, and a number of other factors. The difference now is that Alabama has possibly the most talented young crop of talent in the country and they're already winning. I think the success of Les Miles after Saban left is a testament to the fact that even if Saban bails after a few years, it's very conceivable that the Tide will be able to find another quality coach, as LSU did, to come in and continue to the success of a winning program that has been re-established.
about 1 month ago
The only school that directly benefits from television revenue is Notre Dame because they have their own contract with a major network. Teams in the SEC don't directly get television revenue, the conference does (why do you think it has deals with CBS, ESPN, and Raycom?). Revenue gained through television contracts are shared between the teams in the conference. The SEC even has revenue sharing for BCS money.
That being said, no one doubts you are getting your money's worth this year.
from about 1 month ago
m, my uninformed friend, let me show you some numbers. If Alabama keeps winning, a BCS bowl bid could also bolster the school's finances.
The SEC gives $1.76 million to schools participating in bowl games with payouts of $6 million or more, plus an extra $100,000 for playing in the BCS National Championship Game.
The rest of the money is split into 13 shares between the league and member schools.
Having said that we will be glad to share with teams who may not make a bowl this year... like LSU for instance.
from about 1 month ago
I noticed you said nothing about television revenue because you know that I am right.
How many times do we have to go over this, LSU is going to a bowl game (and it sure as hell won't be the Independence).
Oh, and you are welcome for the extra BCS revenue LSU brought the SEC in 2006 and 2007 (not to mention 01 and 03).
from about 1 month ago
I'm no expert and don't write here, but I do know Alabama (and other schools) who have Pay Per View broadcasts don't have to give that money to the conferences as they do with network deals, so Franklin WAS right, so don't gloat.
about 1 month ago
m,
Good point Notre Dame is a private school and doent have to disclose coachs salary - hmmmm
If there is one school more desderate than Bama and more cash its Notre Dame....
Quote,,, '''I will not be the next football coach of Notre Dame""
Will Bamas investment hold up when Saban leaves and Bama has to search for a new coach and
revenue hits rock bottom again? Time will tell
What coach will want to follow in the footsteeps of B.Bryant and Saban?
The best part will be if the new Bama coach does wins we can all say "he's winning with Sabans
players" of course.
from about 1 month ago
Greg, if you are agreeing with m we are all in trouble. I smell another LSU fan?
Thanks for joining in the conversation.
from about 1 month ago
Greg, LSU lost...get over it. And if the revenue the year before Saban (43 million one dollar bills) was rock bottom, wow, sign me up. What school doesn't hire a coach who can turn them into a national power just because he might leave in a few years, after winning a championship and restoring that program to national prominence? Hey, guys, I know this guy who will definately turn us into national champions again, but lets not hire him because he won at this other school, and left that job for another one.
about 1 month ago
Outstanding article based upon facts and tells the truth.
Let's regress to some time in the past when a young man was given a $25,000 advance on a new record that had been released. He asked the record executive "how can you do this, I was just washing dishes and playing dives a month ago"? He said, "Don't worry boy, if you're getting 25, you can be darn sure the owners are getting 10 times that much".
You may rest assured with Alabama guaranteed a spot in the BCS title game for the next several years due to the talent, youth, and superior coaching the money invested in Saban will be returned manyfold.
from about 1 month ago
Baby Tate, I appreciate you reading my article.
I know exactly the young man you are speaking of. I think he turned out to be a good investment as well! Thanks again!
about 1 month ago
Coach Saban is going nowhere. There is no greater challenge for him than to win more NC's than the man who wore the HOUNDSTOOTH hat. Besides, there are some deep, deep, deep pockets affiliated with University of Alabama and they will make $ure that he stays. All I hear is wishful thinking from some sore losers. Put on your big boy briefs and get over it
from about 1 month ago
Well said Larry! Thanks for chiming in!
about 1 month ago
Hi Franklin: It's a Cinderella Season,for a Cinderella Team. And Prince Saban has arrived with the matching Crystal Slipper.......
about 1 month ago
Ren, let's just hope the story has a fairy tale ending!
Thanks for reading!
about 1 month ago
Franklin:
P.S. I like your style - you do a great job, keep it up RTR
from about 1 month ago
Hey Larry, I would like to read some of your thoughts. Give it a whirl!
about 1 month ago
like anything else, it takes money to make money. Saban did great things at LSU besides win football games, despite the fact I am not a big fan of Saban (has nothing to do with the fact he left LSU, I just dont care for him) he is a an asset.
from about 1 month ago
Christopher, I appreciate you reading my article, and leaving a comment. We all love our own coaches and hate everybody else's. Except for Joe Paterno, everybody loves Joe Pa!
from about 1 month ago
Yes Franklin, this is true.
about 1 month ago
Can't argue with those number's.
Here at Nebraska we will always have to find one of the young up and comers in the 1.5 to 2 mil range. Or a dumbass like Callahan just out of a job looking for a nice fat regular paycheck.
NU will never pay the 3 - 4 million a yr for the established big name coach.
from about 1 month ago
Andy, it worked for Alabama, that is all I know. We tried the family, we tried the retread, we tried the promotion, we tried the coordinator, and finally we tried the proven coach route. So far so good!
Thanks for reading!
about 1 month ago
If we do win the NC, how long after the game before they start calling this Alabama's "Miracle Season" and the name St. Nick, which started as a jab at Bama fan's for expected instant success, becomes his official nick-name? And do we call him St. Nick Saban or Nick "The Saint" Saban?
As for him leaving: I think being the first coach to win a national championship at more than one school is a definite goal for Saban. But to think that he could so easily accomplish that at 3 schools is a little far fetched. Doing it at 2 schools hasn't been so easy historically. No one has doubted that it would be possible for him at Alabama, but absolutely no one would have thought we would be so close this season. Four years has been the minimum for most people's guess at when he would START having this kind of success and competing for a national title. Is there another school that he could just step in and be ranked #1 in his second year? One that is getting rid of their coach any time soon? I know there is a list of schools that he could succeed at right away but are any of those big name schools likely to can their coaches in the next few years?
Any new school he might go to would have to be after their current coach goes through a few season's of dismal scores and humiliating defeats. And then he would have to figure four years to start competing at a level that he demands. So probably 4 to 5 years at Alabama, then another 4 to 5 years at another school before he expects to be a powerhouse, so ten years. The man is already 57. Will he really want to start over somewhere else at 62 for a chance to be a national power when he's 67? Not everyone can win 10 or 11 games coaching from the retirement home like Joe Pa. Just kidding about Paterno. And besides all that, there is no price that another school could ever offer him that couldn't be matched by Alabama. If any other school can pay, it so can we.
I think it's simply jealousy and fear that prompts other fans to throw out these "Saban's going to leave you" barbs. At first it was "You guys are crazy at Alabama. It's only football, no college coach is worth that much." But now everyone is saying "Sure he's worth the money, but he's just going to leave once he wins a BCS title." Anything to try and tear down a fan base and a team that has proven over and over that we are proud of our school and we will succeed beyond everyone's expectations.
from about 1 month ago
Smiley , there is always the unknown. Saban is happy at Alabama, and Alabama is happy with Coach Saban.
I really don't think this winning titles at 3 different schools is something that keeps Saban awake at night. He can write his name in the history books in a more meaningful way right here at Alabama. He is no dummy, he knows that.
This money thing with coaches is more of a status thing, than a financial thing. Why else would Miles ask for $1000.00 dollars more than the highest paid coach in the country. Talk about a bad investment.
about 1 month ago
My first exposure to Nick Saban was in 1995 when he was at Michigan St. I was impressed with Mich. St, especially the D in 1995. Though they gave up a few points to 95 Nebraska, they still had some athletes and they were obviously well coached.
I thought he was very good at that time. Not surprised by his success.
from about 1 month ago
Andy, I have looked at old games of Saban when he was at Michigan St. There are many similarities. Reading Saban's book on success, you will find he is always learning and making changes to improve.
He is driven to succeed. He says that is human nature to be content when you succeed. He also says in order to truly be successful you must resist the that natural human reaction and focus on the next challenge.
Some coaches say you are only as good as your last game, Coach Saban philosophy is you are only as good as your next game.
Here is a example of Coach Saban's driven personality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka_Hcn_D4mo
about 1 month ago
Hi Franklin: I agree. Jedi Master,Saban is worth every dime. Worth it for the moral boost he gave the players. Worth it for the moral boost he gave the University. And most assuredly worth it,for the fires re-kindled in the hearth.
Keep up the great work.
Ren
from about 1 month ago
Ren, yes you are right. He is worth every dime. Roll Tide!
Thanks for the comment!
about 1 month ago
They need to give him a contract for life! He is totally worth it. When you have control of all football operations, things click. Bama was smart to hand over the controls to him. Brilliant move.
POTD, spot on piece!
-Lise
about 1 month ago
Lisa, Coach Saban is a control freak. Most successful people are. That is one of the things that lured him to Alabama.
Alabama's AD Mal Moore played for, and coached for Paul Bear Bryant. Coach Bryant also ran a tight ship. He was the AD, as well as the Head Football Coach. So Mal understood that Coach Saban having full control was key to him succeeding.
Guess what? It seems to be working!
Thanks for contributing, and the accolades!
about 1 month ago
He sure seems to be a good deal. INteresting figures on the donations. Nice read.
about 1 month ago
Richard, thank you very much. Sometimes you have to spend money to make money!
I appreciate you reading my article.
about 1 month ago
Waiting list for season tickets is up to 10,000. (Birmingham News, 11-12-08)
And don't forget, they're now discussing plans for a stadium expansion that would put Bryant-Denny at 101,000+. We can thank Nick for speeding up those plans.
Roll Tide.
from about 1 month ago
Rt, yes I know I left that out. I think I will add that with your permission.
Things are looking up for Alabama in a big way!
Thanks for the comment, and ROLL TIDE!
about 1 month ago
You just nailed another one my friend! I'd gladly pay double right now! He is a bargain. Talk about return on investment.....
about 1 month ago
Larry, thank you very much. I just thought after all the negative talk about Alabama hiring Saban, there should be a followup on the positive results.
Thanks for reading buddy!
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