Sport: American Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Nick Saban reflects on lessons from Jerry Glanville at Oilers

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 15, 2026, 6:08 PM

Last updated Oct 15, 2026

Nick Saban reflects on lessons from Jerry Glanville at Oilers

Summary

Nick Saban details his experiences as defensive backs coach for the Houston Oilers under Jerry Glanville in a docuseries titled "Saban." During his two seasons in Houston, the Oilers achieved playoff appearances despite not adhering to traditional coaching methods, which influenced Saban's approach to planning and practice. He credits Glanville's unconventional philosophy for shaping his understanding of coaching success. The docuseries will air on ESPN, with the fifth episode titled "The Mountain" set to release on October 29. Saban's foundational experiences with other notable coaches have contributed to his historic achievements in college football.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Saban served as the Oilers' DBs coach from 1988 to 1989.
•Houston Oilers made the playoffs both seasons under Glanville.
•Saban learned alternative coaching methods from Glanville's approach.
•The docuseries 'Saban' will release on ESPN on October 29.
•Saban emphasizes planning and adaptability in coaching.

Latest Updates

6:08 PMYahoo Sports — What Nick Saban learned from his time as assistant coach for Houston Oilers under Jerry Glanville

What they're saying

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Did you know Nick Saban spent two years as the Houston Oilers DBs coach under Jerry Glanville? He speaks about that time in a docuseries, and we dug through the archives to see what he was like.
— Yahoo Sports

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