by Lars Anderson
What did I learn from the book? The book is written about Paul “Bear” Bryant and Nick Saban. The book explores how they won, their style of play, their backgrounds, football philosophy and recruiting methods. It is a must read for any football fan. The book details how the Bear and Saban outworked their competition to be national champions. They had similarities like both growing up in humble beginnings. An interesting fact I learned from this book was the Bear had verbally agreed to coach the Miami Dolphins. He later decided to stay at Alabama and the Dolphins hired Don Shula. We all know Saban came to Bama after coaching the Dolphins. The book tells how the Bear died twenty-seven days after retiring as Alabama’s head coach. I remember the day, January 26, 1983, I was in in elementary school at Collinsville Elementary. It was spitting snow that day and we were at P.E. playing in the gym. The principal spoke across the loud speaker that he had passed. Both coaches left their mark on the program each winning multiple National Championships. It is hard for lightning to strike a football program with an extraordinary coach, but twice sounds like a fairy tale.
How will I use this book in the future? I have remained an Alabama fan my whole life even though I got my B.S. degree from Auburn University. I want to continue making memories with my family attending more games in the future.