Former Alabama quarterback Blake Sims recently called Nick Saban to apologize for the challenges he presented during his playing days, a conversation he later recounted on a podcast.
A Quiet Apology
Sims’ lone season as the Tide’s starter in 2014 culminated in an SEC championship and a signature win in the Iron Bowl, where his hurry‑up, no‑huddle offense helped the team rally from behind.
After his playing days, Sims moved into coaching, first at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy in Georgia, then as a wide receivers coach at West Alabama under Scott Cochran, and now he serves as quarterbacks coach, running backs coach and lead recruiter at Holmes Community College.
Saban’s Light‑Hearted Reply
During the call, Saban responded with a laugh, offered a brief piece of advice and then ended the conversation without a goodbye, a moment Sims described with a mix of humor and humility.
The 2014 campaign saw Sims throw for 3,487 yards and 28 touchdowns while adding 350 rushing yards and seven scores, statistics that helped Alabama finish the regular season 11‑1 and capture the SEC title before earning a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff.
Though his statistical legacy is modest compared to other Alabama greats, Sims believes his role in shaping the team’s tempo and his contributions in key moments remain an important part of the program’s story.
Sims’ apology reflects a broader culture of respect within the Alabama family, where former players often revisit their past with the coaches who shaped them.