Saban gives a “State of the Miami Dolphins” Address

By Hugo Guzman  |   Thursday, March 24, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Miami Dolphins
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Nick Saban spent over an hour answering questions about the state of the Miami Dolphins. He covered Ricky Williams, Jason Taylor, the 3-4 defense, the left tackle situation, and other key topics. I guess the Hawaii climate did him good! He rarely opens up this much.

Saban, who is known for being tight lipped with the media, and has been dubbed "00 Saban" by local talk radio host Joe Rose, decided to field any and all questions during his stay in Kapalua, Hawaii. This was by far the most candid conversation that he has had since becoming the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Here are some key points that he touched on:

-He admitted that the Dolphins have not been able to resolve the situation at left tackle. Saban went on to explain that the price for a legitimate left tackle in free agency was too high, and that the need may be addressed in the upcoming draft. The coach also said that John St. Clair and Vernon Carey will be given snaps at left tackle.

- Saban also admitted that the 3-4 defense will be a part of the new Miami Dolphins. He said that the Dolphins would continue to play the 4-3 scheme with 4-3 personnel, but added that the defense would also utilize a 3-4 set, "15 to 20 percent of the time."

- Coach Saban also addressed Jason's Taylor's role within this new defense. Basically when the defense shifts from one scheme to the other, JT will shift from a down defensive end in the 4-3 defense to a stand-up pass-rusher in the 3-4 defense.

- Saban also discussed the Ricky Williams situation. He would not reveal the details of his conversation with Williams, but it is rumored that he offered to get Williams psychological counseling.

Saban did make it clear that he would welcome Williams back and that he has talked to team leaders and is convinced they would welcome him back despite previous negative public comments that have been made.

"Sometimes, I think time heals that," Saban said. "I'm not saying what happened is OK, but I wasn't here for it. I think that the leadership on the team that I've spoken with has been more interested in the same thing that I'm interested in."

"If he's committed to coming back and can help us win, that's something we're interested in doing. The guy has obviously been a very productive player and obviously had some issues surrounding him based in the past. We would all have to work and improve those issues to see what his possibilities are. Whether he wants to do all those things I think is kind of his decision."
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About Hugo Guzman

Co-founder of RealFootball365.com. Born in Argentina, of Dominican descent, living in Hoboken, but from Miami through and ...
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