You probably remember the video. It was 2010, and ESPN was doing a behind-the-scenes look at the Alabama Crimson Tide. Suddenly, this skinny walk-on with a bowl cut stands up and starts nails the exact nasal, intense, "process-driven" voice of the most feared man in college football.
That was Rob Ezell.
Most people thought he was just a funny backup wide receiver who got lucky with a skit. They were wrong. Today, that "impersonator" is one of the fastest-rising offensive minds in the country. If you haven't been keeping up, Rob Ezell is currently the Offensive Coordinator at Wake Forest, a job he took over in early 2025 after lighting up the scoreboard at South Alabama.
But back to the voice. To understand the connection between Rob Ezell and Nick Saban, you have to understand that the impression wasn't just a joke—it was proof of a high-level football IQ. To mimic Saban that well, you have to observe him like a hawk. You have to understand his mannerisms, his philosophy, and exactly why he gets mad about a "tin horn" or "rat poison."
The Moment That Went Viral
It’s hard to overstate how much guts it took for a walk-on to do that. Saban isn't exactly known for his love of slapstick comedy.
When Ezell stood up in front of the team and did the "duck in the yard" speech, the room exploded. Even Saban cracked a smile. Honest. A real, genuine Nick Saban smile. That’s like catching a glimpse of a unicorn in the wild.
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"He doesn't like to do it in front of me too much," Saban later admitted. But the respect was clearly there. Saban kept Ezell around for a reason. He wasn't just a mascot or a comedian; he was a guy who soaked up the "Process" like a sponge.
Why Nick Saban Actually Hired Him
A lot of fans think the story ended after graduation. It didn't.
After a stint as a graduate assistant at Colorado State, where he worked under former Saban OC Jim McElwain, Ezell came back to Tuscaloosa. Saban didn't hire him back to tell jokes at the Christmas party. He hired him because Ezell was a tireless worker who understood the system from the inside out.
Between 2015 and 2020, Ezell served as a graduate assistant and an offensive analyst.
Look at the numbers from that era:
- 65-5 overall record.
- Two CFP National Championships (2017 and 2020).
- Countless future NFL quarterbacks and receivers passing through the room.
He spent those years in the dark rooms of the Mal Moore Athletic Facility, breaking down film and helping guys like Mario Cristobal with the offensive line. He was the "Saban Whisperer" in more ways than one. He knew what the Old Man wanted before he even asked for it.
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Moving Out of the Shadow
Basically, Ezell realized he couldn't stay in Tuscaloosa forever if he wanted to be his own man.
In 2021, he headed to South Alabama to coach tight ends. He stayed there for three seasons before getting promoted to Offensive Coordinator in 2024. The results were immediate. His offense averaged over 34 points and 440 yards per game. They were top-tier in the Sun Belt.
People started noticing that the guy who used to do funny voices was now calling plays that were making defenses look silly. He led the Jaguars to a massive bowl win over Western Michigan, putting up over 500 yards of offense in the process.
That’s what caught the eye of Jake Dickert and the Wake Forest staff.
What Rob Ezell Is Doing Now in 2026
Fast forward to right now. Rob Ezell is the OC and quarterbacks coach for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. He’s taking those Saban-level standards and applying them to a Power Four program in the ACC.
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Think about the irony here. Nick Saban is retired now, spending his Saturdays on College GameDay. Meanwhile, the walk-on who used to mock his "ight" and "process" is carrying the torch. He isn't just imitating the voice anymore; he’s implementing the discipline.
The Demon Deacons' offense has been notably more aggressive since he took the reins. He brought a sense of Alabama-style urgency to Winston-Salem. It’s a culture shift. You can see it in the way the receivers block and the way the quarterbacks handle the 2-minute drill.
What This Story Teaches Us About Success
People love the "Rob Ezell Nick Saban" connection because it’s a classic underdog story.
But it’s also a lesson in observation. If you want to be the best at something, you have to watch the best with an obsessive level of detail. Ezell watched Saban so closely he could recreate his soul. Then, he took the best parts of that leadership and built his own career.
He didn't let the "funny guy" label define him. He used it as a foot in the door and then worked harder than everyone else to make sure the door stayed open.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Own "Process"
If you're looking to apply some of that Saban-Ezell magic to your own life or career, here’s how to do it without getting yelled at on a practice field:
- Observe the Nuance: Don't just watch what leaders do; watch how they do it. Ezell’s impression was great because he caught the tiny details. In your job, find the person who is 10 steps ahead and study their micro-habits.
- Use Your Unique Edge: Ezell’s personality got him noticed. If you have a skill or a trait that makes you stand out—even if it seems "unprofessional" at first—use it to build rapport. Just make sure you have the work ethic to back it up when the laughing stops.
- The "Process" Never Ends: Whether you're a walk-on at Alabama or an OC in the ACC, the standards shouldn't change. High performance is about consistency, not just a one-time viral moment.
- Know When to Move On: Ezell could have stayed at Alabama forever as an analyst. He took a "risk" by going to the Sun Belt to prove himself. Growth happens when you leave the comfort of the nest.
Rob Ezell might always be "that guy who did the impression," but in the coaching world, he's becoming the guy that others will soon be trying to imitate.