Lane Kiffin Reflects on Seeing Nick Saban at SEC Media Day
The annual SEC Media Days are always a spectacle, bringing together coaches, players, and media for a week of football buzz before the season kicks off. Among the many highlights of the event, the interactions between coaches often steal the show. This year, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin offered some candid reflections on seeing Alabama’s legendary head coach Nick Saban at the event.
Kiffin, who served as Saban’s offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016, has never shied away from sharing his admiration for the Alabama coach while also injecting his signature humor and flair into their relationship. At this year’s SEC Media Day, Kiffin’s comments provided a mix of respect, nostalgia, and his trademark wit, offering a glimpse into one of the SEC’s most intriguing coach dynamics.
Kiffin’s time under Saban at Alabama marked a turning point in his coaching career. After a tumultuous tenure as USC’s head coach, Kiffin joined Saban’s staff to revitalize his coaching trajectory. During his three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Kiffin transformed Alabama’s offense into a modern, high-powered attack, helping the Crimson Tide secure a national championship in 2015.
Reflecting on their time together, Kiffin has often credited Saban with teaching him discipline, attention to detail, and how to approach coaching with a relentless work ethic. “When I see Coach Saban, it’s a reminder of how much I learned from him,” Kiffin said at Media Day. “Working under him was like getting a PhD in football.”
Despite their success together, the relationship between Kiffin and Saban hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Known for his fiery demeanor, Saban’s high standards occasionally clashed with Kiffin’s more laid-back and unorthodox approach. Their on-camera sideline exchanges during games became the stuff of legend, with Saban’s stern glares often juxtaposed against Kiffin’s calm smirks.
At SEC Media Day, Kiffin joked about those moments, saying, “Seeing Coach Saban reminds me of all the times he yelled at me on the sidelines. It’s funny now, but back then, I wasn’t sure if I’d survive.”
However, Kiffin quickly shifted to a tone of reverence, emphasizing the respect he has for Saban and what he’s accomplished. “He’s the greatest of all time. No question. What he’s done for college football and for guys like me is incredible,” Kiffin said.
Since becoming the head coach at Ole Miss, Kiffin has faced Saban several times, with Alabama consistently coming out on top. The mentor-mentee matchups have been highly publicized, often framed as Kiffin’s chance to finally get one over on his former boss.
At Media Day, Kiffin addressed the challenge of competing against Alabama, acknowledging the difficulty of beating a Saban-coached team. “It’s like playing chess against the master,” Kiffin said. “He’s always a step ahead, and you have to bring your A-game just to stay in the fight.”
However, Kiffin also expressed optimism about the direction of Ole Miss football, noting that his team is improving every year and getting closer to competing with the elite programs in the SEC.
Kiffin’s reflections weren’t solely about football. He also touched on how his time under Saban influenced him personally. “Working with Coach Saban isn’t just about football. It’s about learning how to be better in every aspect—how to lead, how to stay focused, how to handle pressure,” Kiffin said.
He added that while their relationship has evolved, he still values Saban’s mentorship. “We don’t talk as much as we used to, but when we do, it’s always meaningful. I’ll always be grateful for what he did for me.”
Lane Kiffin’s reflections on Nick Saban at SEC Media Day serve as a reminder of the unique bond between the two coaches. While Kiffin has carved out his own path as a head coach, his time under Saban continues to shape his approach to the game.
As the 2024 season approaches, the intrigue of their matchups remains a compelling storyline. Will Kiffin finally break through and notch a win against his former boss? Regardless of the outcome, the respect and admiration between the two will undoubtedly remain, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of SEC football.
For now, Kiffin seems content to keep chasing greatness, all while appreciating the lessons he learned from one of the sport’s most iconic figures.