Nick Saban, paired with Ryan Day at The Memorial, opens up abut Day and Julian Sayin
Nick Saban, paired with Ryan Day at The Memorial, opens up abut Day and Julian Sayin
Most diehard Ohio State football fans don't have to be reminded that former Alabama head coach Nick Saban once coached at OSU. Not head coach, mind you, but he was an assistant as the defensive backs coach from 1980 to 1981 when he was working his way up the coaching ladder. It may have just been a cup of coffee on the banks of the Olentangy, but he doesn't forget the time under Earle Bruce.
Saban is back in Columbus this week, for a reason you probably wouldn't guess. The Memorial Tournament is teeing off this weekend, and he came to be a part of all of the fun. As a fan, sure, but also as a participant in the "Golden Bear Pro-Am" that takes place before the annual professional event. And who was put in a trio with? None other than current Ohio State head coach Ryan Day.
Saban was gracious enough to do a short interview coming off one of the greens, and he first touched on his relationship with Day and how he felt about him bringing home a College Football Playoff national title.
"Ryan and I are pretty good friends," Saban told local ESPN radio station 97.1 The Fan. "It was nice to see him win the national championship last year. I used to coach at Ohio State, so I got a little Buckeye in me. So it's great."
Saban then went on to talk about the presumptive starter under center for the Buckeyes this year, a guy he recruited and landed at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State, Julian Sayin.
'Julian's a great young man,' Saban said. 'I think he's getting bigger and stronger, but he's got really good touch, really good accuracy, good judgment. He's a really good young player.'
You can watch the complete, albeit short, interview below, where Saban also discusses Day's challenge going forward.
At this point, we should all listen to what arguably the greatest college football head coach of all time has to say. He's been great in the media after retirement, and he's been nothing but supportive for Day and the Ohio State program when given the chance.
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