Nick Saban is better than you. Nick Saban is a god compared to you and the team you cheer for. Nick Saban is worthy of praise and admiration far beyond anyone else.

At least, that’s what you might think after Alabama signed him to coach the Crimson Tide for an NCAA record-breaking eight-year, $32 million deal in January 2007.

To put that in perspective, the average Alabama citizen who makes roughly $24,000 a year would have to work 160 years to earn what Saban will be making in one year while attempting to win 14 games a season.

One of the main reasons Alabama fired Mike Shula was his inability to beat in-state rival Auburn throughout his four years at the helm. Upon being hired, Saban said one of his missions is to dominate Auburn 365 days a year.

While that statement might invigorate the Alabama fan base, Auburn defensive end Quentin Groves got to thinking, “You work 365 days to dominate one team, you have 11 other games. You go 1-11 – hey, where is the four million?”

Despite Saban’s missions, it is clear Alabama fans are excited. For the team’s inter-squad spring game, 92,138 fans packed Bryant-Denny Stadium. Merchandise stores are selling shirts that read “Sabanation.”

Even one of Saban’s own players, cornerback Simeon Castille, called him a “rock star” because of the attention he gets from the fans and media everywhere he goes.

Even the Alabama media guide is decorated with their new coach. Unlike any other media guide in the nation, no players appear on either the front or back of the 208-page guide.

The front shows a picture of Saban walking forward with the demeanor that would scare children off sidewalks while the back has another picture and a four-part mission statement concerning Saban’s plans to work his coaching magic.

The coach may be different, but for the most part, the players are the same ones that finished the 2006 season 6-7 with a loss in the Independence Bowl.

This year will not be easier, with games against Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, LSU and, of course, Auburn.

Overall, Saban is going to have to do something special to win in a conference that already boasts some of the best coaches in the nation.

Saban may not need to wear a houndstooth hat like the great Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, but the team needs to become an SEC contender soon, or Saban’s four million dollar gig could be gone faster than you can say “Roll Tide.”