Seven-time NCAA national champion Nick Saban used his extensive football expertise to advise Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus on managing the media hype and expectations surrounding first-overall pick Caleb Williams.
Saban's insights were highlighted in a clip for the upcoming Hard Knocks series , which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Bears' offseason training camp. The show's first episode aired Tuesday night on HBO and the streaming service MAX.
During their conversation, Saban shared his perspective on why NFL quarterbacks often fail at a high rate. Sitting across from Eberflus, who listened intently, Saban explained, "Here's my theory on why NFL quarterbacks fail at such a dramatic rate. To me, expectations are a killer."
Saban elaborated, "This kid [Williams] you got, has so much media, so much hype, so much expectation on doing well. And he has to develop so quickly [just] to meet the expectations that everybody has for him. It's almost impossible."
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He emphasized the importance of focusing on development over immediate success, stating, "The expectations are a killer. But yet, to use your word, development is the key for him."
To illustrate his point, Saban referenced Peyton Manning 's rookie year with the Indianapolis Colts in 1998. Manning, who was 22 then, threw 28 interceptions and finished the season with a 3-13 record, 3,739 yards, and 26 touchdowns. Despite the rough start, Manning went on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, with accolades including five NFL MVP awards, a Super Bowl XLI championship, and 14 Pro Bowl selections.
The media hype surrounding Williams comes on the heels of his 2022 Heisman Trophy win at USC. He became the first from the school to win the award since Reggie Bush in 2005. That season, he took home several awards, including the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year, and the AP College Football Player of the Year.
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The rookie QB has already begun to show leadership traits, as safety Kevin Byard documented during an interview at the training camp. The safety documented how Williams took over a team meeting to address cleanliness in the locker room , urging players to clean their own towels and water bottles instead of depending on the team staff.
The ongoing mentorship between Eberflus and Saban dates back to the early 1990s when Eberflus played linebacker under Saban at the University of Toledo. The ex-linebacker turned coach was an all-conference player in his junior and senior years with the program. He recorded 325 tackles during his college career and was the MVP and co-captain of the team.
Saban started as head coach with the Rockets in 1990 and led the university to its first MAC title since 1971 with a 9-2 record. He was named MAC coach of the year. After one season, he left the university to try his hand in the NFL as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns .
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