How Good Do You Want to Be?

December 6, 2004
Followers of college football will know Saban best as the coach of the 2004 championship series–winning Louisiana State University Tigers. Here he offers an inspiring book that draws parallels between decisions made in life and those made on the gridiron. Saban's own journey, told with the help of sports journalist Curtis (The Men of March
), began in a West Virginia mining town, where he was able, through his love of sports and the wisdom of his family, to walk a path toward excellence. With three main points (develop a good "product," i.e., yourself; know the competition; work with your team), Saban uses anecdotes and straight talk to bring solid advice that crosses over from sports to other aspects of life, including overcoming obstacles, going the extra mile and being honest with oneself. The lessons are homey in tone and commonsensical: e.g., "Invest your time, don't spend it" and "Climb the mountain, but watch your step." While an understanding of football could make the lessons more profound, the advice offered can be used by people in all professional fields and by those just trying to live a better, more fulfilling life. Photos not seen by PW
. Agent, Jimmy Sexton.