John Copeland, a former defensive lineman for the Alabama Crimson Tide and a stalwart during the program’s 1992 national championship run, has recently voiced his growing frustration with the current state of Alabama football. While Alabama under Nick Saban has become synonymous with dominance, mental toughness, and grit, Copeland believes that the current team is missing the intangible qualities that once made them so formidable.
Saban, now in his 17th season at Alabama, is regarded as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. His ability to instill discipline and toughness in his teams has been a key reason for his unprecedented success. However, according to Copeland, this year’s iteration of the Crimson Tide appears to be falling short in those crucial areas.
A Lack of Mental Toughness
In Copeland’s eyes, the hallmark of a great Alabama team has always been their relentless physical and mental toughness. It’s not just about talent—Alabama recruits some of the best players in the nation every year—but about the mentality that comes with donning the Crimson jersey. Players are expected to outwork their opponents, impose their will on every play, and handle adversity without flinching.
“This team lacks the Nick Saban toughness that we’ve all come to expect,” Copeland said during a recent radio interview. “It’s not just about being bigger or faster. It’s about how you respond when you’re down, how you play when you’re tired, and how much you want it when the game’s on the line. I don’t see that same level of fight in this group.”
Copeland’s critique isn’t just limited to the field. He believes that Alabama’s current players may lack the hunger and drive that defined previous generations, citing an apparent complacency that has seeped into the program.
The Struggles on the Field
Alabama’s recent performances have fueled Copeland’s frustration. While the Crimson Tide remains a top team in the SEC, they haven’t been the invincible juggernaut of past seasons. Close calls, defensive breakdowns, and offensive struggles have become more common. Many fans and former players have noticed the shift.
“It used to be that when Alabama took the field, teams knew they were in for a fight,” Copeland remarked. “Opposing teams would come in scared. Now, I don’t think teams fear Alabama the way they used to. They’ve seen weaknesses and they’re exploiting them.”
The Tide’s recent loss to a rival team, compounded by a few narrow wins, has only magnified these concerns. Alabama’s defense, once the pride of Saban’s system, has shown vulnerabilities, especially in key moments of games. Missed tackles, blown coverages, and lapses in discipline have all been pointed out by analysts, and Copeland agrees.
“You can’t make those kinds of mistakes and expect to win at a high level,” he said. “Alabama teams of the past prided themselves on playing mistake-free football, especially on defense. This year, they’ve been sloppy, and that’s not the Alabama way.”
Copeland’s Call for a Cultural Shift
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Copeland believes that the issue lies deeper within the program’s culture. For years, Alabama thrived on a mentality of earning everything through hard work and dedication. Saban’s infamous “Process” emphasized constant improvement, discipline, and accountability. But according to Copeland, some of that edge seems to have dulled.
“I don’t think this is a talent issue. Alabama still has some of the best athletes in the country,” Copeland explained. “But talent alone doesn’t win championships. It’s the mentality, the toughness, and the desire to get better every single day. I’m not sure this team has that same fire.”
For Copeland, this cultural shift may be the most concerning. As a former player who knows what it takes to win at the highest level, he hopes to see a return to the values that made Alabama a dynasty under Saban.
“The good news is, it’s not too late,” Copeland said. “They can turn this around, but it’s going to take a serious gut check. These players need to look in the mirror and ask themselves if they’re really giving everything they’ve got. Because right now, it doesn’t look like they are.”
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the spotlight will only intensify on Alabama and Saban’s ability to lead the team back to its standard of excellence. Copeland’s words echo the sentiment of many Alabama faithful who have grown accustomed to a certain level of dominance. For now, the Tide still controls its destiny, but time will tell if they can recapture the toughness and grit that once defined them.
“Nick Saban built this program on toughness,” Copeland concluded. “If they can’t find that again, they’re going to have a hard time getting back to where they belong—on top.”
