FROM THE COACH: Seven key roles of transformational leadership

Richard Tyson

At the end of the 2023 football season, Coach Nick Saban finished his college coaching career with an overall record of 292-71-1, including seven national championships and 11 SEC titles . He is rightfully considered one of the greatest football coaches of all time.

However, if you break down his record from his first coaching job at the University of Toledo in 1990 to his first year at the helm at Alabama in 2007, his overall record was not nearly as stellar as it was from 2008 to his retirement last year. In the first 17 years of his coaching career, he compiled a 67 percent win-loss record — and that even included one national championship year with LSU. In the next 15 years, his Alabama teams won 90 percent of their games — and six national championships. While some observers might attribute the notable improvement to his move from LSU to the Crimson Tide, there was a transition far more important in Coach Saban’s mind.

In a recent interview, he was asked what he felt was the key that led to his success during the Alabama years. His answer was succinct: “My success came when I moved from being transactional to being transformational.” In other words, he began to see his role as transforming his players, staff and others into the best version of themselves. Earlier in his coaching career, he saw those people as a means to his desired outcome — winning games. When his desired outcome became more about them than winning, a strange thing happened. His teams won even more games.

Nick Saban’s success as a football coach has been widely attributed to his leadership style, which aligns with seven key roles that I have observed in other great leaders: Learner, Strategist, Influencer, Multiplier, Problem-Solver, Connector and Facilitator. Here’s how each played a role in his coaching philosophy:

1. Learner: Saban is known for his relentless pursuit of knowledge and continuous improvement. He emphasized the importance of learning from both wins and losses. His famous “process” philosophy is rooted in breaking things down into manageable tasks and learning to master each one. Saban’s willingness to adapt to changes in college football, such as evolving offenses and recruiting strategies, demonstrated his learner mindset .

2. Strategist: Saban was a master strategist, particularly in game planning and adjustments. He placed a significant focus on preparation, discipline and execution. His teams were known for being meticulously prepared for every situation, which allowed them to consistently outperform opponents in high-pressure moments. Saban’s strategic thinking was also evident in his long-term team-building approach, focusing not only on recruiting talent but also developing it .

3. Influencer: Saban’s leadership extended beyond his immediate team. He was a powerful motivator and shaper of culture, instilling a mindset of accountability and excellence in his players and staff. Many of his former assistant coaches have gone on to head coaching roles, showing his ability to influence and mold future leaders .

4. Multiplier: Saban has an exceptional ability to maximize the potential of those around him. He created an environment where players and coaches can grow and excel. His track record of developing future NFL players and successful coaches is a testament to his ability to multiply talent and leadership within his organization.

5. Problem-Solver: Known for being adaptable, Saban is adept at solving problems, whether they arise on the field or within the program. He made key in-game adjustments that led to significant victories, and off the field, he navigated challenges such as changing rules in college football, media scrutiny, and even managing a shift in offensive philosophy over the years.

6. Connector: While Saban’s personality may seem intense, he was effective at connecting with his players on a personal level, understanding their motivations and helping them buy into the team’s goals. He focused personal attention on building strong, trusting relationships, which became a cornerstone of his success in recruiting and developing talent .

7. Facilitator: Saban has often spoken about creating an environment where his team can focus on the process, not the outcome. He facilitated a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that everyone has the tools and mindset to succeed. His ability to empower his coaching staff and players to take ownership of their roles reflected his effectiveness as a facilitator .

These traits have been instrumental in Saban’s sustained success, contributing to his status as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. While the field of play is different for most of us, I have found that these seven key transformational roles are important for each of us we strive to lead effectively.

Richard Tyson is the founder, principal owner and president of CEObuilder, which provides forums for consulting and coaching to executives in small businesses.