Former Alabama Stars Mack Wilson and Damien Harris React to Cardale Jones Comparing Ryan Day to Nick Saban
Former Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson and running back Damien Harris have weighed in on social media after Cardale Jones made a bold comparison between Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban. The reactions came after Jones, a former Ohio State quarterback, took to X (formerly Twitter) to suggest that Day’s performance in his first few years at Ohio State is comparable to Saban’s early dominance at Alabama.
The comments sparked a flurry of responses from fans, analysts, and former players alike, with Wilson and Harris, two former Crimson Tide standouts, voicing their opinions in defense of Saban’s unparalleled legacy.
Jones, who led Ohio State to a national championship in the 2014 season, set off a firestorm when he praised Ryan Day’s accomplishments and likened his trajectory to that of Saban’s in Tuscaloosa. Jones highlighted Day’s consistent success since taking over the Buckeyes program in 2019, including multiple College Football Playoff appearances and Big Ten titles. He argued that Day’s ability to maintain Ohio State’s status as a national powerhouse deserved recognition alongside Saban’s achievements in his early years at Alabama.
However, comparing Day, a relatively young head coach, to Saban, who is widely regarded as the greatest college football coach of all time, raised eyebrows across the college football world. Saban has built a dynasty at Alabama since his arrival in 2007, with seven national championships (six at Alabama and one at LSU), numerous SEC titles, and a legacy of producing NFL talent unmatched in the modern era.
Mack Wilson, who played linebacker at Alabama from 2016 to 2018 and is now with the New England Patriots, didn’t hold back in his reaction. Taking to X, Wilson expressed his disagreement with Jones’ comparison, emphasizing the vast difference in accomplishments between the two coaches.
“Ryan Day is a good coach, but let’s not get carried away,” Wilson wrote. “Nick Saban has been doing this for decades, winning championships, and building a legacy no one can match. Respectfully, there’s levels to this.”
Wilson’s response echoed the sentiments of many Alabama fans and alumni, who view Saban’s sustained success over nearly two decades as the gold standard in college football. He also pointed out that Saban’s ability to adapt and evolve over time, particularly in an ever-changing landscape of recruiting and strategy, sets him apart from any coach in the game.
Damien Harris, who played running back at Alabama from 2015 to 2018 and is also currently with the Patriots, chimed in with his own take. Harris, known for his passion and loyalty to Alabama football, took a more measured approach but was equally clear in his stance.
“Coach Day has done a great job at Ohio State, no doubt about it,” Harris posted. “But let’s not disrespect Coach Saban’s legacy by making premature comparisons. What Coach Saban has done isn’t just about winning—it’s about dominating the sport for nearly 20 years. Let’s give credit where it’s due, but let’s also keep things in perspective.”
Harris’ response highlighted an important distinction: while Day has certainly kept Ohio State competitive on the national stage, Saban’s sustained dominance over nearly two decades has redefined what it means to be a successful college football coach.
The reactions from Wilson and Harris underscore a broader debate in college football about how success is measured and the importance of longevity in building a legacy. Ryan Day has undoubtedly achieved a great deal in his short tenure at Ohio State, but Saban’s sustained excellence over nearly two decades sets him apart from virtually every other coach in the sport’s history.
Day’s supporters argue that he has consistently kept Ohio State in the national championship conversation and developed top-tier talent, but critics point out that he has yet to win a national title, a benchmark that Saban reached in his third season at Alabama. Furthermore, Saban’s ability to adapt to changes in the game—whether it be the rise of spread offenses, the transfer portal, or NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policies—has solidified his status as the sport’s preeminent leader.
The comparison between Ryan Day and Nick Saban may have been intended as a compliment to Day’s early success, but it inevitably invited scrutiny and debate. For former Alabama players like Mack Wilson and Damien Harris, the comparison feels premature, given the breadth and depth of Saban’s accomplishments.
While Ryan Day continues to build his legacy at Ohio State, he still has a long way to go before being mentioned in the same breath as Nick Saban. For now, the reactions from Wilson and Harris serve as a reminder that Saban’s impact on college football is not only about wins and championships but also about setting a standard of excellence that few, if any, can match.