Former Alabama Player Compares Current Head Coach to a Young Nick Saban

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan Merritt | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Running back Justice Haynes was one of the top players to hit the transfer portal after the conclusion of the 2024 season. The former Alabama Crimson Tide player was ranked the No. 1 player at his position by 247Sports.

Haynes was only in the portal for a few weeks before he decided to transfer to the Michigan Wolverines. He is now working under head coach Sherrone Moore, who is starting his second full season as the leading man in Ann Arbor.

Moore is Haynes' third head coach in three college seasons, and he has compared his current one to his first, one of the greatest of all time, the now-retired Nick Saban.

Speaking to Pete Nakos at On3, Haynes explained why he sees comparisons to a young Saban.

"He's going to kick it with you. He's going to have fun with you. But then there is also a time to be serious and a time to be disciplined."

It's a massive compliment to Moore, who is still trying to make his mark as a head coach in college football. His first full season came with its challenges, but it also saw some highs, including wins over the Ohio State Buckeyes and the USC Trojans.

Saban didn't find immediate success as a head coach in the Power 5 conferences. Cutting his teeth at Michigan State Spartans before moving to the LSU Tigers. It was his second year at the Crimson Tide in 2008 when he found success, going 12-0, the first undefeated season since 1994 for Bama. Could Moore achieve the same? It would be challenging to replicate what the GOAT head coach accomplished.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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