The Bear Bryant and Nick Saban Comparison

Nick Saban usually doesn't address comparison questions; however, Thursday was an exception.

With the resume he has accumulated in his 11 seasons in the Southeastern Conference, including his 6 with the Alabama, its hard not to at least entertain the idea that he may be approaching the levels of success that match the man in whose stadium's sidelines he walks-Paul W. Bryant.

"I don't know why anyone would want to do that" the Alabama coach said as he enters his 7th season at the post once held by Bryant. "I don't think it is fair to compare anyone to what he was able to do and how he was able to impact people."

The comparison, in my opinion, may not be too far fetched.

Bryant's record is absolutely incredible. He's a hall-of-famer with 323 wins all time, 6 national championships and 14 Southeastern Conference trophies to his credit during his 38 year tenure (25 at Alabama). Saban's are no where close. He only holds 154 all time wins, however here is where it gets interesting: 4 national championships and 4 SEC Crowns in just 17 seasons as a head coach.

The numbers don't match up, I get it.

But Bryant was playing in an era where he was a big fish in a little pond-parity was almost nonexistent. Today, in the era that Nick Saban coaches there are more restrictions and more parity than ever. Without question Saban's success deserves to be elevated because he has accomplished these incredible feats during the sports' most competitive era.

But then Saban brought up another point, the way that Bryant was able to impact people. Bryant's heart was bigger than any would know; read Coach by Keith Dunnavant and try to tell me different.

However, Saban, for as much of an evil figure as he has been painted, has actually done a lot of wonderful things-some reported, some not.

His Nick's Kids foundation has been well publicized, but few realize how instrumental he was in helping rally the city of Tuscaloosa after the April 27th 2011 Tornado, working behind the scenes and speaking at an impromptu rally for students. And just like Bryant, he is a man who cares about his players.

"Most the guys that play for me know that if they ever needed anything I would be there for them" He told the Hoover crowd.

You see, the comparison will always be there, and the argument will always be made. With that said, these two coaches are a lot more similar than you would think.