Nick Saban reflects on relationship with Dan Enos, explains changes throughout years

The relationship between Nick Saban and Dan Enos goes further back than coaching. Sure, Enos worked under Saban during the 2018 season before infamously leaving the program. But when Saban was at Michigan State as the defensive coordinator, his final year in East Lansing was Enos’ first as a QB, serving on the scout team.

Saban reflected on their relationships, laughing about their time together at Michigan State. Not surprisingly, he was tough on Enos while trying to gameplan during the 1987 season. Since then though, Enos has turned into an experienced SEC coordinator and Saban sees good things with his offenses.

“He’s doing great,” Saban said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. “I think he’s a really good coach. He did a great job for us when he was here. I can’t remember those days when he was the scout team quarterback but he said I got on him. That wasn’t surprising. But he was a really good coach and is doing a really good job with their team.”

Arkansas is currently struggling a bit, dropping their fourth consecutive game on the road Saturday against Ole Miss. They are averaging just 26 points per game against Power Five competition and rank dead last in the SEC in yards per game.

Even so, Saban knows Enos will present a challenge to Alabama in Tuscaloosa, being prepared to play against a familiar face.

Nick Saban believes Dan Enos has changed over the years

When Enos joined the Alabama staff back in 2018, he was fresh off three seasons with Arkansas as the offensive coordinator. Saban faced off against him then and felt comfortable bringing him on as the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach. A promotion to offensive coordinator was even there before Enos left for Miami.

Since then, Saban believes Enos has changed as a coach and in a positive way. Working under Mike Locksley for one season with Alabama is something he points to. Even looking at when Enos was at Maryland with Locksley as the OC.

“I think he’s changed quite a bit from when he was a coordinator before he was on our staff,” Saban said. “I think being with Mike Locksley… I think he has changed quite a bit but in a very good way. I think they play well and take advantage of the players they have, and present a lot of issues for you defensively.”