The ESPN Original Series Saban premieres Thursday, Oct. 8 (6 p.m. ET, ESPN), with all six episodes available on the ESPN App.
Ahead of the debut of the docuseries profile of legendary coach and ESPN college football analyst Nick SabanSr. Supervising Producer Torrey Champagne and Producer Jalaine Edwards share how the series goes beyond the championships to explore his life, his relationship with his wife “Miss Terry” and the people who shaped his journey.
How did Miss Terry’s involvement shape the series and your understanding of Coach Saban?
Edwards: Terry and Nick are a one-two punch navigating Coach’s career.
Champagne: Miss Terry is powerful, strong and incredibly warm. Fifty-five years of marriage is an accomplishment in itself, but to build programs, navigate immense pressure and win seven national championships over the course of that marriage is extraordinary. Terry gives us a window into the person behind Coach Saban and reminds us that his story was never his alone.
What part of the project are you each proudest of — and who helped make it possible?
Edwards: I suggested taking a chance and reaching out to Joey Harrington, who was the [Miami Dolphins] backup quarterback, and he ends up being a crucial piece to that storyline.
Champagne: I’m incredibly proud of the trust and collaboration we built with Words + Pictures, director Russell Dinallo, Coach Saban, Miss Terry and Coach’s entire team behind the scenes. We also had tremendous support across all of ESPN. It truly was a collective effort.
What did you most want to uncover about him beyond his football accomplishments?
Edwards: I wanted to make sure this story revealed Saban’s thoughts behind some of the biggest moments of his career that he hasn’t shared at a podium. Whether it was his time with the [Miami] Dolphins, his decision to leave LSU, or the “Kick Six,” I knew if Coach was willing to be honest about the learning moments of his career, it would make the largest accomplishments shine brighter.
Champagne: The moment we learned that Dr. Lonny Rowson, Coach’s longtime friend and sports psychologist from his Michigan State days, would be part of the story, we realized something important: Coach was ready to share a side of himself that very few people had seen. His willingness to be honest and reflective is what makes this story much bigger than football.
What do you hope both longtime football fans and viewers new to this story take away from the series?
Edwards: Whether you are a longtime college football fan or a fan of documentaries, this series isn’t just about football. I hope all viewers have a great time getting lost in the storytelling and learn who Nick Saban is as a full person.
Champagne: There is and will only be one Nick Saban. But what makes this series special is watching his growth … not just as a coach and leader, but as a man, father and husband. I hope longtime fans see a side of Coach they haven’t seen before, and new viewers discover why he deserves to be considered one of the greatest coaches of all time.
ESPN.com: Explore Nick Saban’s coaching tree “Rooted in greatness.“
Source: espnpressroom.com
