Click here for linkSeptember 22, 2011 | by Matt Jones
FAYETTEVILLE - As both sat on the set of ESPN’s “College Football Live” for a segment this summer, one couldn’t help but think these were the two best coaches in the Southeastern Conference.
Both are considered masters of their trade – Saban a defensive guru and Petrino an innovator on offense. They are the CEOs of their company-run football programs, presenting themselves with a business-like demeanor rarely found on this level of sports.
They eat, sleep and breathe football, and make sure their assistant coaches do, too. The 13-14 games they coach – and win the majority of – each season are a byproduct of about 345 other long days each year.
There is a mutual respect between the two. Said Saban of Petrino’s offense, “It’s like preparing for pro football.” Petrino added on Saban’s defense, “It’s challenging.”
The common denominator is both win, having done so at multiple college football programs. Along with Urban Meyer, Petrino and Saban are two of just three coaches to lead multiple schools to berths in the Bowl Championship Series.
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