Nate Oats Reflects On What He Learned From Nick Saban

Just two days after Saban's retirement, the Crimson Tide's basketball coach spoke on what the legendary coach taught him during their time together.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The athletics department at The University of Alabama changed forever on Wednesday, following the retirement of head football coach Nick Saban. 

During his first press conference since the news, Alabama head men's basketball coach Nate Oats spoke about what he took away from his time with Saban.

"I've been very fortunate to spend four and a half years at the same university as the best football coach, at least in modern football, in the country, and one of the best team coaches in any sport," Oats said. "I took advantage of it early, I went to a lot of practices, I went on a road trip with them, the first game of my employment here. I try to go to as many of the guest speakers that they have."

Oats continued further, reflecting on what he learned from Saban from the time they were able to spend together.

"I learned a lot. I learned how meticulous he is, his attention to detail in staff meetings. His intensity coupled with his attention to detail. There's a lot of reasons why he's one of the best coaches in the history of team sports," Oats said. 

"I'm sad he's retiring. And the state of college athletics needs to get figured out, because I'm sure he could have coached for a while longer under different circumstances. He's coached a long time and won a lot of games. These jobs aren't easy, here's a lot of stress involved. [...] They talk about the process, you know, winning takes care of itself, but to come in and see it first hand. He's great, and he's been great to this program."

Oats concluded his thoughts by saying he hopes he continues to see Saban around.

"Not sure what his plans are, but it'd be great if he stuck around here and there, came back frequently," Oats said. "Sad to see him go, and super appreciative for the four and a half years I got to spend with him." 

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