Nick Saban's Focus on Football During 9/11

In a new book titled 'The Price: What It Takes to Win in College Football's Era of Chaos', it is revealed that Nick Saban, then coaching LSU, maintained his focus on game preparation during the September 11 attacks in 2001. Despite being informed of the plane crashes, Saban continued practice and did not address the tragedy with his team, leaving some players unaware of the events unfolding nationwide. He reportedly said, 'Boys, there are some screwed-up people in the world,' and shifted the conversation back to football strategy. Saban later apologized for his lack of awareness during the crisis, acknowledging he had his 'head in the sand'. The scheduled game against Auburn was ultimately canceled, a decision Saban later deemed appropriate for players to process their emotions. Following a legendary career, Saban announced his retirement in January 2024 and plans to remain involved with football through ESPN's 'College GameDay.'