Many have wondered what the next chapter of the legendary Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban was going to be after announcing his surprising retirement last month. We now know that Saban will be taking his talent to television to be an on-air commentator for ESPN.
Nick Saban Joining ESPN as On-Air Talent
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the news during the company’s earnings call according to Sportico. ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that he will serve primarily as an analyst for the show College GameDay. Saban will also be part of coverage for the NFL Draft and SEC Media Days.
“ESPN and College GameDay have played such an important role in the growth of college football, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to join their team,” Saban said in a statement on Wednesday. “I’ll do my best to offer additional insights and perspectives to contribute to College GameDay, the ultimate Saturday tradition for college football fans.”
“Nick Saban is a singular, iconic presence in college football,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said. “He is also an extremely gifted communicator, who will immediately add even more credibility, authority and entertainment value to ESPN, including our esteemed College GameDay show.”
ESPN and Saban are no strangers to each other, as he has made multiple appearances on the network for interviews on College GameDay. He had a weekly guest appearance on the Pat McAfee Show this past season.
Saban is coming off a 28-year head coaching career that included winning seven national championships, 12 conference titles, and 19 bowl games. His overall record as a head coach was 292-71-1.
He had been the head coach of Alabama since 2007 and had the same role with LSU, Michigan State, and Toledo. In 2005 and 2006, he had a short stint in the NFL as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
MORE: Nick Saban Retires as Alabama Head Coach
His first assignment at ESPN will be announced at a later date.
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