Did Nick Saban coach in the NFL?

By Jason Bolton February 28, 2024 09:17

Legendary college football coach Nick Saban found some work in the NFL before he went back to coaching one-half of the state of Michigan. His professional debut does not last long but plays an important role in the scope of his next career.

Nick Saban's Background

After Saban's first coaching career at Kent State University, another head coaching job at the University of Toledo in 1990. During his time at Michigan State and LSU, he had considerable success, becoming one of the top coaches in college.

Miami Dolphins Stint

That turned out to be the last straw in 2004 when he made his move: a jump from college football to an NFL head coaching gig with the Miami Dolphins. It was his long-awaited jump from college to pro.

Saban's NFL Tenure

Saban spent two seasons with the Dolphins, struggling to adjust to how coaching works in the NFL. He was well-prepared, with a detailed mind emphasizing discipline, but it proved more difficult than expected. Even so, he led the team to a 9-7 record in his sophomore campaign and gave signs of light for turning around a downtrodden franchise.

Why He Headed Back To College Football

Why did Saban come crawling back to college football after this brief NFL fling? Of course, the lure of college ball — where he knew his track record was already off-the-hook tremendous — also had much to do with it. Furthermore, college coaches typically enjoy more control and authority over their programs, something else that may have played a role in Urban's decision.

Legacy and Impact

Saban's NFL coaching experience may have been short-lived, but its impact on Saban as a coach and how it affected his approach is not debatable. It was his time in the pros that molded him into what he became as a coach, leading to his success at those stops of college football.

Coaching In Colleges

On the other hand, when it comes to coaching in colleges, there is a hell lot of political shit that goes on.

Saban's experience in the NFL also raised conversations regarding the differences between coaching college football compared to coaching at that level. They put Saban in control of players who aren't just a little older, but also divided into two groups by life experience -- calling for different college and pro-level management skills.

Subsequent College Success

He went back to college, but it was from there that Saban's career ascended to unprecedented heights. During the Alabama years of his career, he won three national championships and sealed really well that he himself is a legend. This is probably a product of the lessons learned from his time in the NFL, that is, if you believe any input acquired during an Oswieler 24-week era can pay off.

Though short, Nick Saban's NFL coaching career has had a lasting impact on his impressive resume. Losing his job with the Miami Dolphins proved to be a learning experience and clearly shaped him for greater success at the college level. His NFL tenure adds a fascinating element to his overall coaching legacy, which is unquestionably defined by his monumental run in the college ranks.