Former Alabama coach and current ESPN "College GameDay" analyst Nick Saban won seven national championships after leaving Michigan State football, however, he credits the Spartans for sparking his success.
Saban, speaking about his time with Michigan State from 1995-99, was reflecting on upsetting Ohio State in 1998, 26 years before the Spartans take on the Buckeyes on Saturday.
"That 1998 game changed my whole coaching philosophy," Saban said Saturday. "Because I thought we had no chance to win the game. Lee (Corso), no chance. So, I called the sports psychiatrist and said, 'how do I approach the team?' And he made me get to be a transformational leader in terms of making people focus on the process and not the outcome.
"That changed my whole coaching career."
Saban has been consistent throughout his career of focusing on the process, which he has noted multiple times as an important aspect of his coaching philosophy over the year. One of college football's most successful coaches ever won a national championship at LSU and won six at Alabama before retiring after the 2023 season.
The 72-year-old former coach said The unranked Spartans' 28-24 upset win over then-No. 1 Ohio State completely changed him.
"That was the dawn of a new Nick," Saban said.
The Impact of the 1998 Upset
The 1998 game was a turning point for Saban, both personally and professionally. Before the game, Saban felt that the Spartans had no chance against the highly ranked Buckeyes. However, the Spartans pulled off a stunning upset, winning 28-24. This victory not only boosted Michigan State's confidence but also had a profound impact on Saban's coaching philosophy.
Saban's pre-game anxiety about the game led him to seek guidance from a sports psychiatrist. The psychiatrist encouraged Saban to adopt a transformational leadership style, focusing on the process rather than the outcome. This shift in perspective proved to be a game-changer for Saban, who has since become known for his meticulous approach to coaching.
A Legacy of Success
The 1998 upset was a defining moment for Saban, marking the start of his transformation into one of the most successful coaches in college football history. After leaving Michigan State, Saban went on to win seven national championships, proving that the lessons he learned from that pivotal game were invaluable.
Saban's coaching career has been defined by his relentless focus on the process, a philosophy that he credits to the 1998 game. This approach has led to unprecedented success at both LSU and Alabama, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in the sport.
The Lasting Legacy of the 1998 Game
The 1998 upset between Michigan State and Ohio State remains a pivotal moment in college football history. The game not only served as a turning point in Saban's coaching career but also highlighted the importance of embracing a process-driven approach to achieving success.
The lessons learned from that game have resonated throughout Saban's career, shaping his coaching philosophy and ultimately leading to unprecedented success. As Saban continues to share his wisdom and experiences with young coaches and players, the legacy of the 1998 game will continue to inspire generations of athletes and coaches alike.
This game not only cemented Saban's coaching philosophy but also served as a testament to the power of perseverance and the unpredictable nature of sports. The 1998 game proved that even the most unlikely of upsets can have a profound impact on the trajectory of a coach's career.
