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Retired Alabama coach Nick Saban hired George Helow as a special assistant following the SEC Championship Game, and the former Michigan linebackers coach turned out to be the last hire the legendary coach ever made.
Helow first came to Alabama as a defensive intern for Saban’s sixth season at UA, in 2012. In a Tuscaloosa News exclusive Q&A, Helow reflects on his time around Saban during the coach’s final weeks on the job, and more:
Q: You’ve got the distinction of being the last coach Nick Saban ever hired for any role. Have you been able to wrap your head around that?
A: No. Not really. He’s hired so many coaches over the years, and to be the last in that line is a blessing and an honor. I am grateful for everything he’s done for me. He’s the greatest coach of all time, a good man and a living legend.
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Q: Where were you and what were you doing when Saban called you last month with the offer to be a special assistant to the head coach, and what convinced you it was the right move?
A: It was just after the SEC Championship Game. While I was at church my agent called twice while Fr. David Keegan, an Alabama fan himself, was saying Mass. It was unusual for him to call twice like that, so I knew it was something important. I called him afterward, and he told me coach Saban would be in touch later that day. Soon after, I got a call from a private number. Having kept in touch with coach Saban over the years, when you see “Private Number” coming through, you know it’s him. We had a great conversation about football and he expressed interest in bringing me on the staff for the remainder of the year. When coach Saban calls, it’s like…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/q-retired-alabama-football-coach-100719422.html
Author : The Tuscaloosa News
Publish date : 2024-01-16 10:07:19
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