Saban, Dooley face off after seven years together
TUSCALOOSA | The similarities between Nick Saban’s arrival at Alabama and Derek Dooley’s at Tennessee aren’t difficult to see.
Initially, both were short on the elite-level talent required to compete for Southeastern Conference championships on a regular basis. Both dealt with off-field issues, including player arrests, in the summer before their first season.
And having coached with each other for seven years, there are similarities in how both approached the task.
“Philosophically, I’ve always believed in what he believes in. That’s a starting point,” Dooley said. “A lot of our organizational structure is very similar. But we’re very different personalities. We have a lot of respect for each other, and we’re friends.
“But it’s like any coach, you believe in some things philosophically the same but everybody’s personality’s a little different and how you put it on the program.”
tidesports.com
10/19/10
