Nick Saban reveals his five favorite Alabama football players to coach
Nick Saban, head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, is widely considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. Over his illustrious career, Saban has cultivated a legacy of championships, sustained excellence, and unparalleled player development. As the leader of one of college football’s most successful programs, Saban has had the privilege of coaching countless elite players—many of whom have gone on to stellar careers in the NFL.
Through his years at Alabama, Saban has built a program defined by its consistency, discipline, and focus on teamwork. But with so many high-caliber athletes under his tutelage, one might wonder: which players stood out the most to Saban, not just for their talent, but for their character, leadership, and willingness to buy into his demanding system?
In a rare moment of candid reflection, Saban recently revealed his five favorite Alabama football players to coach, offering insights into what makes these individuals so special. These players represent the very best of what Saban looks for in his athletes: skill, intelligence, work ethic, and leadership. Their impact on the field was undeniable, but their contributions off the field and in the locker room made them invaluable to the program.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the five players Nick Saban mentioned as his favorites to coach. We’ll explore the characteristics that made each of them stand out, their careers at Alabama, and how they helped shape the program under Saban’s leadership. We’ll also look at the lessons these players imparted to future generations of Crimson Tide athletes and how they contributed to Saban’s long-term success at Alabama.
1. Derrick Henry – The Phenomenal Running Back
When discussing his favorite players to coach, it’s no surprise that Derrick Henry, one of the most dominant running backs in recent college football history, is at the top of Saban’s list. Henry’s physicality, work ethic, and drive were unmatched during his time at Alabama, and Saban has often spoken about how much he enjoyed coaching the larger-than-life running back.
Career at Alabama
Derrick Henry’s tenure at Alabama was marked by a dominant 2015 season, one of the best individual campaigns in the history of college football. Henry rushed for 2,219 yards and scored 28 touchdowns, earning the prestigious Heisman Trophy as the nation’s top player. His towering frame—standing 6’3” and weighing over 240 pounds—combined with his surprising speed, made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Not only did Henry have a historic individual season, but he was also a key contributor to Alabama’s national championship in 2015. His performance in the SEC Championship Game against Florida, where he rushed for over 180 yards and scored three touchdowns, was emblematic of his ability to take over games when it mattered most.
What Saban Values
Saban has repeatedly praised Henry for his discipline, drive, and understanding of the game. Henry’s willingness to embrace a demanding workload and remain focused on improving every day was a hallmark of his time at Alabama. Saban often speaks about how Henry had the rare ability to push through fatigue and continue to perform at an elite level, even when others might have struggled.
Henry’s commitment to becoming a complete player also stood out. While many running backs focus on their ability to simply run the ball, Henry embraced the need to be a complete back—becoming a key part of the Crimson Tide’s passing game and improving his blocking skills. His attention to detail and relentless pursuit of greatness made him one of Saban’s favorite players to coach, and his success at the next level in the NFL only further validated Saban’s assessment.
2. Julio Jones – The Ultimate Wide Receiver
Next on Saban’s list is Julio Jones, widely regarded as one of the most talented wide receivers in college football history and a perennial All-Pro in the NFL. Jones’ blend of size, speed, and route-running precision made him an absolute nightmare for defenders during his time at Alabama. Jones played for Saban from 2008 to 2010, and his impact on the program was immediate.
Career at Alabama
Jones was a freshman sensation for the Crimson Tide, making an immediate impact in his first season with over 1,000 receiving yards. His physical attributes were extraordinary—standing at 6’3” and running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, he combined the traits of a power forward with the speed of a track star. But what set Jones apart wasn’t just his athleticism—it was his mentality.
Jones was known for his tireless work ethic and his ability to step up in big moments. His best season came in 2009, where he recorded 1,133 receiving yards and helped lead Alabama to a national championship. Saban has often cited Jones’ work ethic and his leadership qualities as key factors in shaping Alabama’s successful 2009 season.
What Saban Values
Saban has repeatedly spoken about Jones’ unique ability to combine humility with an elite talent level. Despite his tremendous physical gifts, Jones never allowed his talent to define him. He was always eager to improve and learn, making him one of Saban’s favorite players to coach. Jones also demonstrated an ability to perform in clutch moments, something Saban highly values in his athletes. Whether it was making a key catch on third down or helping his team close out a tough game, Jones always delivered when his team needed him.
Furthermore, Saban appreciated how Jones embraced the team-first mentality. Even though he had the potential to be a dominant individual star, Jones never let personal accolades overshadow the team’s success. This selflessness made him an ideal fit for Saban’s system and earned him a special place in Saban’s coaching legacy.
3. Tua Tagovailoa – The Electric Quarterback
When Saban thinks about the most talented quarterbacks he’s had the opportunity to coach, Tua Tagovailoa is undoubtedly among the first players that come to mind. Tagovailoa’s ability to perform at the highest level, even in high-pressure situations, made him one of Saban’s favorite quarterbacks to coach. His legendary playmaking ability, especially in big games, earned him a special place in Alabama football history.
Career at Alabama
Tua’s career at Alabama is marked by his leadership, arm strength, and remarkable accuracy as a passer. He burst onto the national scene in the 2017 National Championship Game, where he came in as a freshman in the second half and led Alabama to a victory over Georgia, throwing a game-winning touchdown pass in overtime.
In his full seasons as the starter, Tagovailoa was a dynamic force, earning Heisman Trophy finalist honors in 2018 after throwing for over 3,900 yards and 43 touchdowns. His ability to make pinpoint throws down the field and read defenses with precision made him a star, and he helped lead Alabama to multiple SEC titles and a national championship appearance.
What Saban Values
What stands out most to Saban about Tua was his mental toughness and his ability to rise to the occasion. Tagovailoa had an innate ability to perform in clutch moments, especially in games where the stakes were highest. Whether it was his performance against Georgia in 2017 or his comeback win against LSU in 2019, Tua’s ability to handle adversity and execute under pressure was something Saban deeply admired.
Tua’s leadership qualities also set him apart. Despite being surrounded by a wealth of talent, Tua never took his position for granted. He constantly pushed his teammates to be better and was a vocal leader both on and off the field.
4. Minkah Fitzpatrick – The Versatile Defensive Star
Minkah Fitzpatrick is another player who holds a special place in Saban’s heart. A versatile defensive back who played a crucial role for Alabama from 2015 to 2017, Fitzpatrick’s football IQ, leadership, and ability to make game-changing plays made him a standout player in Saban’s defense. Fitzpatrick was a natural leader on the field, often serving as the backbone of Alabama’s secondary.
Career at Alabama
Fitzpatrick was a star from his freshman season, where he contributed as a cornerback and safety. Over the course of his career, he became known for his ability to cover ground quickly, his knack for making interceptions, and his leadership in the secondary. Fitzpatrick was named an All-American multiple times and was a key contributor to Alabama’s 2015 SEC Championship and national title appearance.
One of his most famous moments came in the 2017 National Championship Game when he intercepted a pass from Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm, sealing Alabama’s victory and cementing his place as one of the program’s all-time greats.
What Saban Values
Saban often speaks about Fitzpatrick’s football intelligence and his ability to be a leader without needing to say much. Fitzpatrick’s instincts on the field were unmatched, and his ability to read plays and anticipate what the offense was going to do made him one of the best defensive backs Saban has ever coached.
5. Landon Collins – The Hard-Hitting Safety
Landon Collins, a safety who played for Alabama from 2012 to 2014, rounds out Saban’s list of favorite players. Collins was known for his hard-hitting style, his ability to cover ground, and his leadership on the field. A key figure in Alabama’s national title run in 2015, Collins became one of the most feared defensive backs in college football.
Career at Alabama
Collins was a star at Alabama from the moment he stepped onto the field. His ability to read offenses and his punishing hits made him one of the best safeties in college football. Collins earned All-American honors in 2014, and his performance in Alabama’s national championship victory solidified his status as one of the program’s best.
What Saban Values
Saban often speaks about Collins’ physicality and leadership on defense. Collins played the game with a relentless edge and was always in the right place at the right time. His ability to motivate and lead the defense was invaluable, and his selfless attitude made him a model player in Saban’s program.
Nick Saban’s favorite players aren’t just the ones with the most physical talent—they are the players who embodied the qualities that Saban values most in his athletes: intelligence, work ethic, leadership, and discipline. Whether it’s the dominant physical presence of Derrick Henry, the leadership and skill of Julio Jones, the clutch performances of Tua Tagovailoa, the intelligence of Minkah Fitzpatrick, or the hard-hitting play of Landon Collins, these players represent the best of what it means
to play for Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
As Saban continues to build his legacy at Alabama, these players—and the lessons they imparted—will continue to influence the next generation of athletes in the program. The traits that made them special will continue to be the blueprint for success at one of college football’s most storied programs.
