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Saban praises Miami, teases Cristobal about ACC
19 Sep
Summary
- Nick Saban playfully jabs Mario Cristobal about the ACC.
- Saban believes Miami belongs among the nation's best teams.
- The coaches' friendly banter spans years since their time together.
Nick Saban, the former Alabama coach, recently commented on Mario Cristobal's success at the University of Miami. While praising Cristobal's recruiting and coaching, Saban playfully suggested that Miami should be removed from the ACC due to their caliber. This remark is part of an ongoing, lighthearted debate between the two coaches regarding the strengths of the ACC versus the SEC.
Cristobal, who previously worked under Saban at Alabama from 2013 to 2016, reportedly tries to convince his former boss that the ACC is superior. Saban, however, remains unconvinced, often citing the SEC's depth with multiple teams ranked in the Top 25. Their exchanges have been notable, with Saban once humorously calling Cristobal the "best salesman in the history of ball."
Despite the playful teasing, Saban clearly respects Cristobal's work. Miami has started its 2026 season with two wins, following a national championship game appearance the previous season. This success provides Cristobal with further points for his discussions with Saban, although it's unlikely he'll persuade the former Alabama coach about the ACC's superiority.
