Addressing ‘A’ Gap in Culture

Roll Tide! Nick Saban took over as head coach of the Crimson Tide in 2007 after the team was coming off one of their worst seasons on record.

Background

In 2007, when Nick Saban took over as head football coach for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, the team had just finished one of its worst seasons on record. Coach Saban knew he needed to make some changes to improve the 6-7 record of the historically successful team, so he sought the help of The Pacific Institute.

Solution

In 2008, The Pacific Institute led the team through a training camp to help players, coaches, and athletic department officials set common goals, strengthen their culture, and work as a cohesive group to improve their record. The Pacific Institute returned to the University of Alabama again in 2009 to train incoming freshmen and provide a refresher course for upperclassmen and coaches.

Outcome

Within one year of working with The Pacific Institute, Crimson Tide became the top-ranked team in the country, achieving an impressive 12-2 record. In 2010, Coach Saban led the team to a BCS National Championship and Crimson Tide running back Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy, a first for the University of Alabama. As a result of the team’s success, the University of Alabama’s basketball team now works with The Pacific Institute as well.

“It all goes back to helping the players, but an individual player being successful makes the team more successful.”
-Nick Saban, Head Coach, University of Alabama Crimson Tide Football