If you’re turning on ESPN’s flagship Saturday morning show College GameDay for the first time this season, you might recognize a familiar face in an unfamiliar place alongside the usual cast of the long-running college football staple. If you’re wondering why Nick Saban is on College GameDay this morning, allow us to explain why the legendary coach is on your screen.
Nick Saban Swaps College Football Sideline for College GameDay in 2024
When Saban announced his retirement as Alabama Crimson Tide head coach earlier this year, it sent shockwaves through the college football world. However, a post-Saban apocalyptic college football landscape will still feature the legendary head coach after he swapped the sideline for the broadcast booth, announcing a deal with ESPN which includes his appearance on College GameDay.
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It was announced on February 7, barely a month after his departure from an Alabama program where he established himself as one of the greatest coaches of all time, that Saban was joining the ranks of ESPN talent. While his primary role will be on College GameDay, Saban has also been involved in the broadcaster’s coverage of the NFL Draft and SEC Media Days.
The move to commentary of the game that he’s dominated for years is a natural one for the former Alabama coach. Even while he was still directing the Crimson Tide to college football greatness, Saban had been a regular fixture on the CrimsonTide Sports Network while also appearing on the Paul Finebaum Show and even the odd guest appearance on College GameDay.
Saban made his College GameDay hosting debut in Dublin, Ireland, when ESPN took the flagship overseas for the first time. Unsurprisingly, the former Alabama head coach appears to be a natural in his new role.
His years of experience goading and berating the media behind the podium at Alabama press conferences have prepared him for being in front of the camera, and he delivers college football knowledge to the masses in an easily digestible manner.
Some people are able to excel in any role, and Saban has transitioned effortlessly from conjuring up college football greatness to commentating on it. As we witnessed at the end of the show from College Station, he’s even having fun with it.
“I never knew anything about this,” Saban marvelled, flanked by a topless Pat McAfee as Lee Corso danced an Irish jig with the Notre Dame mascot. “I’ve never experienced anything like this. I’ve never been to anything like this.”
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