The well-chronicled friendship between Nick Saban and Joe Manchin will be inked into history later this year when Saban pens the foreword for Manchin’s upcoming memoir, “Dead Center.” According to the Associated Press, this book will serve as a “handbook to governing” from the famously centrist Democrat. “Senator Manchin combines eyebrow-raising, never-before-told stories from inside the Senate and the White House with insights into how government does — or doesn’t — work,” Manchin’s team shared in a statement.
Perhaps Saban can draw from his later years in college athletics to provide examples of large institutions that aren’t effective. Both the seven-time NCAA champion football coach turned ESPN analyst and longtime U.S. Senator hail from 1950s West Virginia, where they grew up in Farmington and became friends through their close families. Manchin was an idol to Saban, whom the retired Senator once referred to as a “little brother.” Manchin’s father played a crucial role in helping Saban become a football coach, and Manchin is the godfather of Saban’s son, Nicholas Jr.
Now, Saban is contributing by writing the introduction to Manchin’s significant statement on a tumultuous 15 years in Washington. Throughout his tenure, particularly during the Biden administration, Manchin served as a moderating tiebreaker vote for the liberal wing of the Senate’s policy objectives, skillfully navigating his role as a Democrat in the red state of West Virginia. While readers may turn to “Dead Center” for insights on why Manchin often impeded his party’s initiatives, one aspect that is clear is his close relationship with Saban. As the legendary football coach transitions to his new role as a panelist on College GameDay, he has the opportunity to share his thoughts about a lifelong friend and a significant figure.
