5 Shocking New Moves: What Nick Saban Has Been Doing Since Retiring From Alabama
The coaching legend Nick Saban shocked the college football world on January 10, 2024, when he announced his retirement as the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. After a career spanning five decades, including a record-setting seven national championships, many expected the 72-year-old to finally embrace a quiet, well-deserved retirement. However, as of today, December 19, 2025, the "GOAT" of college football has proven that retirement is just a word, immediately launching into a series of high-profile, and sometimes surprising, new ventures that keep him firmly in the spotlight.
From the television studio to the boardroom and even the political arena, Saban has not slowed down. His post-coaching life is proving to be as intense and influential as his time on the sidelines, cementing his status not just as a coach, but as a major figure in American sports and culture. Here is a deep dive into the most recent and significant news surrounding Nick Saban.
Nick Saban: Full Biography and Career Profile
- Full Name: Nicholas Lou Saban Jr.
- Born: October 31, 1951 (Age 74 as of late 2025)
- Hometown: Fairmont, West Virginia
- Wife: Terry Saban (Miss Terry)
- Alma Mater: Kent State University (1973)
- Total Career Record (College): 297–71–1
- National Championships: 7 (6 at Alabama, 1 at LSU)
- Major Coaching Stops (Head Coach): University of Toledo (1990), Michigan State (1995–1999), LSU (2000–2004), Miami Dolphins (NFL, 2005–2006), Alabama (2007–2023)
- Accolades: Four-time AP Coach of the Year, two-time Sporting News Coach of the Year, 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee.
- Legacy: Widely regarded as the greatest college football coach of all time, known for the "Process," a philosophy emphasizing consistent, incremental improvement and preparation.
1. The New Voice of College GameDay: Saban Joins ESPN
One of the most immediate and impactful post-retirement moves was Nick Saban’s decision to join ESPN as a college football analyst. This was a natural fit for the legendary coach, allowing him to remain connected to the sport at the highest level while providing unparalleled insight to millions of viewers.
His primary role is as an analyst on the network's flagship show, College GameDay, alongside host Rece Davis and fellow analysts like Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard, and Pat McAfee. Saban’s presence brings a unique perspective, offering a coach’s eye to game analysis, recruiting, and the ever-changing landscape of the sport.
Beyond his regular Saturday appearances, ESPN has also confirmed that Saban will be a key part of their coverage for the 2025 NFL Draft, providing analysis on the prospects he coached and recruited during his tenure at Alabama. This move keeps the seven-time national champion in the public eye and allows him to continue his influence over the sport, albeit from a booth instead of the sideline.
2. From Gridiron to Ice Rink: Saban Becomes a Pro Sports Owner
In a surprising twist that highlights his competitive nature and entrepreneurial spirit, Nick Saban purchased a minority ownership stake in a professional sports franchise. The team he joined is the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Saban announced that he partnered with billionaire Joe Agresti and Dream Sports Ventures LLC to acquire the stake. This move into professional hockey ownership is a significant departure from his football roots, but Saban noted that his competitive nature and passion for sports remain strong, stating that being involved in a sports team in a vibrant city like Nashville was an exciting new chapter.
The Predators’ ownership group welcomed the legendary coach, recognizing that his experience in building championship-level organizations and his renowned "Process" mentality could offer valuable non-traditional insights to the NHL team's operations and culture. This venture solidifies Saban's status as an investor and business mogul in the sports world, far beyond the confines of college football.
3. A Political and Collegiate Sports Commission Co-Chair
Perhaps the most unexpected news about Nick Saban since his retirement is his reported foray into the political and policy realm. Following meetings with President Donald Trump and Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, Saban is expected to serve as the co-chair for a new Presidential Commission on College Athletics.
This commission is reportedly being formed to address the most pressing and controversial issues facing collegiate sports today, including the rapid changes brought by the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape, the transfer portal, and the overall structure of college athletics governance. Saban has been a vocal critic of the current NIL environment, suggesting it has fundamentally changed the nature of college football and contributed to his decision to retire.
His appointment as co-chair positions him as a powerful figure in the national conversation about the future of college sports, giving him a direct platform to influence potential federal legislation or regulatory changes. This move underscores his continued commitment to shaping the sport he dedicated his life to, even after leaving the Alabama sideline.
4. Strong Opinions on the College Football Playoff Expansion
Saban's voice remains one of the most respected—and feared—in college football, and he has not hesitated to use his new ESPN platform to critique the sport's direction. A major focus of his recent commentary has been the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 12 teams.
The former Alabama head coach has been particularly critical of the potential inclusion of Group of Five (G5) teams, arguing that the Playoff should only feature the "best teams," regardless of their conference affiliation. He controversially compared the inclusion of G5 teams, specifically mentioning James Madison, to the idea of a Triple-A baseball team competing in the World Series, suggesting that the competitive gap is too wide.
Saban's comments reflect a deep-seated belief that the integrity and competitive balance of the sport are at risk due to expansion. He has also argued that Group of 5 teams should have their own separate playoff structure to maintain the quality of the CFP field. These strong remarks have generated significant debate, proving that his opinions still move the needle in the college football world.
5. Honored with a 2025 Hall of Fame Induction
While his post-retirement career is in full swing, Nick Saban's legacy continues to be honored. In a major and deserved recognition of his historic career, he is slated to be inducted into the National Football Foundation (NFF) College Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class.
The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 4, 2025, at the University of Alabama, where he achieved the majority of his record-breaking success. This honor is the capstone of a coaching career that saw him transform the Alabama Crimson Tide into a dynasty, winning six national titles in Tuscaloosa and becoming the first coach in the modern era to win a national championship at two different schools (LSU and Alabama).
The Hall of Fame induction serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible impact Saban had on the game, a legacy that continues to influence coaching, recruiting, and the overall structure of college athletics today. It also provides a moment for the college football community to formally celebrate the "Process" and the seven-time national champion's unparalleled achievements.
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