The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Conversation with Nick Saban
03.23.2006 | Football
On the advantages of Texas having Pro Timing Day for their athletes: I think it is outstanding. I think Coach Brown does a fantastic job of trying to do the best he can to help his players have the best opportunity to be successful in the NFL. As an NFL coach, that is all you can expect. It is handled in a first class way and the people here have been very accommodating. The players are certainly cooperating and we are getting the information that we need, so that enhances everybody's opportunity.
On the way Pro Timing Day is conducted: Well, I think that everybody does it a little bit different. I think that Coach Brown understands that it is not the NFL coaches and the teams that are what he needs to worry about relative to his athletes staying here. We have the best interest in the athlete. I like to see all the guys graduate from school; I think it helps them develop a career outside of football. I think that is something that they all should consider doing regardless of what kind of football player they are. I know that is the philosophy here, so I think it is done in a first-class fashion.
On The University of Texas facilities: I think the facilities are outstanding. I have been here before to work out players and I think these are as first class facilities as there are anywhere in the country.
On Mack Brown: Well we played in the Cotton Bowl a few years ago when I was at LSU and I have always had the utmost respect for Coach Brown, the coaching staff and not only the high school football players in this state and the high school programs that they have, but the great university you have here for them to come to. The program that they have is second to none. Not only in winning the National Championship, but also being champions off the field in terms of what they do for student-athletes, the graduation rate that they have here. You kind of know that when you come here as an NFL coach that you are going to get a character quality guy that you are not going to have a lot of issues and problems with. That is important to all of us from a business standpoint when they get to our level.
