Nick Saban gives hilarious advice to fan before Week 1 Akron play-calling gig
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Who says Nick Saban does not look out for the little guy? The greatest college football head coach of all-time may have built his celebrated legacy by dominating in the SEC, but he is still willing to help out an underdog when possible. During Saturday’s episode of College GameDay, the ESPN analyst offered some advice to Akron’s guest offensive coordinator.
You heard that right. The MAC program ran a contest to see who would earn the right to serve as the play-caller for the Zips’ opening drive in their home game against Robert Morris. Akron graduate and season ticket holder Marty Whims II won the job, and before this experiment got underway, he was fortunate to receive pearls of wisdom from a seven-time national champion. Saban had three tips for the winner of this random draw.
“Get the call in early, don’t get marbles in your mouth, you got to get the call in early,” he cautioned, per Pat McAfee’s X account. “Number two, stay ahead of the sticks, run the ball. All the fans are going to want you to throw it, run the ball. Number three, don’t get cute, but if you’re going to get cute, throw a damn flea flicker. The fans we’ll love it.”
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"Get the call in early Marty and stay ahead of the sticks..
If you're gonna get cute THROW A DAMN FLEA FLICKER" 😂😂 ~ Coach Saban #CollegeGameDaypic.twitter.com/DCxAcPSkwX
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 12, 2026
Whims worked with Akron football head coach Joe Moorhead to help the team devise an offensive game plan for the beginning of its battle versus Robert Morris. The Zips got off to a hot start, as Jordan Grant rushed for 12 yards on their very first play. The temporary OC, who operates as a CFO for an Ohio real estate company called Stark Enterprises, largely followed Saban’s counsel.
Akron’s only pass play on the drive went for two yards, with the ground game taking focus. The Zips did hit turbulence, however, drawing a five-yard penalty for a false start and committing a fumble near the Colonials’ 37-yard line. That is not how one wants to finish their play-calling career, but Marty Whims II clearly took this responsibility seriously.
Fortunately for him, Akron steadied itself and secured a 21-10 lead going into halftime. The Nick Saban coaching tree expands, albeit only briefly, as the man continues to influence the sport nearly 1,000 days after retiring.
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