Home/College Football
feature-image
feature-image

Look, Alabama’s former HC Nick Saban might have hung up his whistle, but he is still calling plays off the field. Now, though he is retired, Nick Saban remains deeply involved in the game, lighting up TV screens on College GameDay, taking shots in golf, and soaking up family time. But even with a packed schedule, he always keeps an eye on his old team. Supporting their new coach, Kalen DeBoer, every step of the way. This time, he is not just simply riding off into the sunset; he is driving the wagon. And right beside him, Kristen Saban champions his endeavors on social media, campaigning for her father’s good cause and showing the world that the Saban legacy still rides strong.

Look, Nick Saban didn’t just walk away from Alabama, but he passed on it with intent. After 17 seasons, six national titles, and a remarkable 87.4% win rate, he left Alabama with a clear vision: to thrive. Kalen DeBoer inherited that legacy, taking over the weight of expectations on his shoulders. Sure, his first season ended on a rough note with a 9-4 record. But despite a season filled with ups and downs, he carried on Saban’s legacy and a top-tier recruiting class, ensuring continued success.

Nick’s Kids Foundation’s online auction highlights that continuity. Kristen Saban highlighted the initiative, inviting fans to get involved with Alabama’s deeper mission. She even put up an IG story gripping everyone’s attention: “Starting TONIGHT at 5pm, bid on exclusive, one-of-a-kind items and unforgettable experiences, including signed memorabilia from former players, opportunities to engage with Coach Saban and Coach DeBoer, an ESPN GameDay experience, and much more! All proceeds support our mission to make a lasting impact on children and families.” She transforms nostalgic memories and heritage into tangible action, inviting fans to join the mission.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

article-image

The auction offers prime seats for LSU and Oklahoma games at Bryant-Denny Stadium, exclusive lunches with either Kalen DeBoer or Nick Saban, and stadium tours guided by one of the greatest ever. While DeBoer charts the program’s future, Saban keeps his office on campus, quietly docking the past. The auction, running Monday evening through Tuesday night, transforms tradition into opportunity. Saban and DeBoer exemplify a seamless transition, even if one now leads from the shadows.

Well, if you think this is the first time Nick Saban is doing something for the betterment of society, then you are so wrong. A few days back, Nick Saban made headlines again, teeing off at a celebrity golf tournament hosted by the non-profit ‘For Others’. The event benefited children and families in need, and Saban’s participation drew significant attention. His daughter, Kristen, further boosted the fundraiser by posting a photo of her father swinging on Instagram.

Even in retirement, the 73-year-old Saban remains active, balancing charity work with a new role advising President Donald Trump’s proposed college sports commission.

What’s your perspective on:

Can Nick Saban's leadership bring order to the chaotic NIL landscape in college football?

Have an interesting take?

Nick Saban’s new job of redefining NIL for CFB

College football’s chaotic landscape, fueled by massive NIL deals and the transfer portal, has taken a weird turn altogether. Players are now focused more on running behind NIL and play time rather than experience and learning. Now, amid the turmoil, Nick Saban stepped into a new role where he is co-chairing President Trump’s new college athletics commission, actively seeking reform. This time, he isn’t watching it from the sidelines but diving headfirst to reform the entire scenario. He recently met Texas Tech booster and billionaire Cody Campbell to gather input for the commission and to explore meaningful change in CFB’s framework.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

And the entire football world can’t be happier about the entire thing. Former Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron, appearing on The Next Round, voiced his concerns: “I’m not a fan of college football right now. I think it’s a (expletive) show with everything, and hopefully, with Saban getting co-chairman on that board helps bring some structure to it because they need it. It hurts to think about it because I missed out on a lot of money from that sense.” McCarron believes Saban’s influence can restore order to a system many see as adrift.

McCarron isn’t alone in wanting change. Jackson Cantwell’s commitment to Miami ignited college football, not just for the elite 2026 offensive tackle himself, but for the reported $2 million NIL deal. With Georgia intensely pursuing Cantwell, Miami’s bold move sparked national debate. Former Georgia linebacker and ESPN analyst David Pollack was particularly vocal about the entire NIL chaos that’s making things tough for coaches.

Pollack didn’t mince words before stating, “If you want to spend this much money on a quarterback, we can have the conversation. I’m not spending $2 million on an offensive lineman. Like, I’m just not.” He cited the physical demands and perceived lower value of the position compared to quarterbacks. “The likelihood of them getting dinged up and hurt is highly possible. Like, you play a physical position up front like that, you’re going to get—it’s going to happen,” Pollack added, questioning the long-term investment’s worth.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Now, let’s wait and see if Nick Saban can turn this sudden urge into something more than just noise or not.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

"Can Nick Saban's leadership bring order to the chaotic NIL landscape in college football?"

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT