Renowned Alabama coach Nick Saban has recently entered into a new venture, just a few weeks after retiring from his position as head football coach. It was revealed on Wednesday that Saban will be joining ESPN’s College Gameday crew starting this Fall.
During the 2023 season, Saban made appearances on the Pat McAfee show, hinting at a potential future with ESPN once he decided to retire. Now, not only will Saban be a regular presence on College Gameday, but he will also serve as an analyst for the upcoming NFL Draft and SEC Media Days.
This is a significant acquisition for ESPN, as it competes against FOX and its Big Noon Kickoff as the prelude to college football games nationwide. With ESPN securing the rights to the SEC, it made perfect sense to bring Saban on board.
“ESPN and College GameDay have played a crucial role in the growth of college football, and I am privileged to have the opportunity to join their team,” stated Nick Saban. “I will do my utmost to provide additional insights and perspectives to enhance College GameDay, the ultimate Saturday tradition for college football fans.”
If you were expecting this move to result in the departure of Lee Corso, it appears that will not be the case for the upcoming season. In ESPN’s press release, Corso was listed among the talents who will appear on the show each week, alongside Pat McAfee.
During the past month, the former Alabama coach has been spotted enjoying his time away from football on the golf course. On Wednesday, Nick Saban participated in the Waste Management Pro-Am in Phoenix, donning his customary Alabama straw hat.
With the conference shifting to ESPN this Fall, it was only fitting that the former Alabama coach would still be present at SEC Media Days. The network announced that he will be an analyst for the upcoming NFL Draft and, more importantly, will appear on various platforms during SEC Media Days this summer.
This is a brilliant move by the network to showcase Nick Saban in a different capacity at the event. Previously, we have not seen the former head coach get the chance to analyze opposing teams and provide his insights into the world of college football. Now, Saban will have the opportunity to discuss his former rivals and potentially conduct interviews with them.
“Nick Saban is a unique, iconic figure in college football. He is also an incredibly talented communicator, who will immediately bring even more credibility, authority, and entertainment value to ESPN, including our esteemed College GameDay show,” remarked ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
This dynamic will undoubtedly amplify Saban’s presence, especially considering the outspoken nature of many coaches in the Southeastern Conference. I can already envision Lane Kiffin and Nick Saban sitting side by side on the set, playfully exchanging jabs. It would not be surprising if Saban is also involved in the upcoming SEC Spring Meetings in Destin.
All in all, this is a victory for ESPN and Nick Saban. He can continue to enjoy his retirement while ensuring his voice remains influential in the world of college football. The new ESPN contract with the SEC is already yielding positive results, as evidenced by this exciting announcement.