I am a huge Saban fan, but by no means is he perfect. I'm sure that there are people within the Dolphins organization that don't like him already. Saban doesn't know how to handle every player. For example, Dimitrious Underwood played for Saban at Michigan State and Nick couldn't motivate him to play during his junior year. I could give many more examples of interpersonal problems with players, coaches on his staff, boosters, etc. to support this argument; but I don't think it will be beneficial to the discussion. Nick's strength is not personal interaction. I imagine that this response will not be popular on this board, but it's the truth.
Nick's strength lies in everything else.
1. Saban knows football like no one else. Nick coached at MSU for 10 years. The other Spartan coaches were amazed by his abilities. He would see the smallest details on the other side of the field when the play happened that the other coaches would have to discover in analyzing the game film the following week. It could be a holding penalty, a hand flinch at the snap, a receiver stepping on the sideline, etc. Don't worry, Nick sees it.
2. He knows personnel. There is a reason why he went out and got Kevin Carter right off the bat. He knows that he brings the size, experience, and attitude to make the Dolphins winners. There is a reason why the Dolphins haven't gone after Ty Law. Don't worry, Nick knows.
3. Nick does tend to be a little more conservative than most coaches. He'll talk about wanting to have a balanced offense, but deep in his heart, when it's third and two, Saban wants to give the ball to his big running back and have him plow ahead for a first down.
4. Clock management? I think he is above average. I think at times he may put too much faith in his defense. If the Dolphins are up by 3, with 2 minutes left and the opponent has the ball at their own 20; Saban feels comfortable. He trusts his defense to make the stop. This sounds like a good thing, right? Well, it is but it also gives you an idea of what else to expect. Take that same situation except the Dolphins have the ball at the opponent's 40 yard line and it's 4th and 1, some coaches may decide to go for it to put the game away. Saban probably punts it away because he feels more comfortable letting his defense try to win the game.
5. What will cause Saban to lose it on the sidelines? If his defense gives up two big plays back to back, look out. Saban will run down the sideline screaming at the defensive back that blew the coverage. He can't stand watching those kinds of mental mistakes on defense. Don't expect to see the same thing on offense. If Feeley throws a pick, Saban will clap his hands as the offense comes off the field to try to keep their morale up.
