WATCH: Nick Saban explains why he signed lengthy contract extension late in his career

Nick Saban confirmed he will not be going anywhere anytime soon, signing a new contract with Alabama. The deal will run through the 2029 football season, meaning Saban will be 78 years old by the time it expires. Eight more years, at least, of Saban in Tuscaloosa seems likely.

When explaining why he signed the lengthy contract extension, Saban said coaching football is something he loves to do. Retiring and vacationing may appeal to others but for him, being part of a team and watching his players develop are his passions. He doesn’t plan on giving that up soon either.

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“I enjoy being a part of a team,” Saban said when appearing on SportsCenter. “Like I said before, I worry a lot about what would I do if I didn’t do this. Most people say ‘I want to retire so I can go to Europe’ or whatever. I’m just the opposite because I love doing this, I love being a part of a team.

“I love the competition, love the relationship with the players. Love to see them develop and have a better chance of being successful. Makes me very proud when you see them do well. I’m going to do it as long as I am not an impediment to this program. , I don’t want to ride the program down. I’m excited about the future.”

You can watch his full response here.

It’s hard to see the Alabama program slowing down anytime soon with Saban in charge. Saban’s squad are considered the favorite to win the national championship this season. If he accomplishes the goal, eight titles would be on his resume, with seven coming for Alabama.

Even past this season, recruiting is at such a high level, Alabama will continually have one of the best rosters in the country, year in and year out. Saban has said as long as he does not start affecting the program in a negative way, he will remain the head coach. Seemingly, SEC foes have quite a few more years of Nick Saban on the sidelines.