Could Nick Saban transition into prominent media job?

Alabama coach Nick Saban looks on. Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Saban announced on Wednesday that he is retiring as the head coach at Alabama, but many people believe he will remain visible around the game of college football. There is one particular job Saban has been linked to that would certainly allow him to do that.

According to Michael McCarthy and Amanda Christovich of Front Office Sports, there is a belief around the sports media world that Saban would be a “perfect” fit for ESPN’s “College GameDay.” While ESPN has taken the stance that Lee Corso can remain with the show as long as he would like, network executives have hoped for years that Saban might eventually become the 88-year-old’s successor.

Saban has made appearances on “College GameDay” in the past. He has also been a regular guest on “The Pat McAfee Show,” which moved to ESPN last year. It is safe to assume Saban will continue to appear on both programs in 2024 and beyond, but the question is whether he would ever have interest in a full-time role with ESPN.

A book that was published last year claimed Saban flirted with the idea of leaving Alabama for a broadcasting job a decade ago. He supposedly met with an ESPN executive to specifically discuss a role with “College GameDay,” so the idea is hardly farfetched.

Saban, 72, had coached Alabama since 2007. The 72-year-old coach went 206-29 during his incredible career with the Tide and won 11 SEC titles and six national championships with the team. He also served as a head coach at Toledo, Michigan State and LSU prior to Alabama, and he won a national title with the Tigers, giving him seven overall.