Nick Saban opens up on his role with Alabama moving forward

Nick Saban and Alabama will always be synonymous with one another after all they accomplished there over 17 seasons. Now, as he moves on to the next phase of his life, that partnership will continue forward into the future, even if in a much different capacity.

At the presentation of the 2024 Nick Saban Legacy Award last night, the former head coach of the Crimson Tide spoke to the media and, at one point, answered a question about what his role with the program would look like. He started with his focus on Tuscaloosa by saying that he and Mrs. Terry would remain active around the area.

“That’s our home. That’s our family. It’s our community,” said Saban. “We’re going to continue to do things to help the community every way that we can.”

What everyone wants to know, though, is how accessible he will be to Kalen DeBoer and the new coaches at Alabama. With his answer, Saban made it clear that he’ll be around and in contact with any of the staff members in whatever way that they need.

“The coaches all know that I’m available if they need me in any way, shape, or form to help them,” said Saban.”

“I talk to Kalen every now and then, talk to the defensive coordinator every now and then. He’s going to come over and meet me this week sometime,” Saban said.

There might not be a better resource in college football than Saban still being in the building at Alabama. Everything he can suggest and share after his career on the sidelines, one that’s second to none, will aid the next chapter of the Crimson Tide, even if he wants it to be all about DeBoer from here.

For most people, retirement is it for them as they move on to enjoy the rest of their days. That’s just not in Saban’s nature, though, as he will stay active in the sport, including with support to the coaches and roster at Alabama moving forward.

“We’re around,” said Saban. “We’re there to support the players and help them in any way that we can to help them be successful.”

Saban describes his first month of retirement

Since Nick Saban decided to retire from coaching following the season, he himself has been adjusting to life after coaching.

Saban met with reporters at the 2024 Nick Saban Legacy Award presentation in Birmingham. In that appearance, he described how his retirement has gone to this point, including spending more time with his wife in Miss Terry.

“Terry and I have enjoyed our time together,” Saban said. “I’ve got a little more time with the family, got to see the grandkids a little more. It’s been really, really good. Play a little more golf. So, that’s not good but it’s fun. So, it’s been good.”

Of course, even in retirement, Nick Saban is going to need to keep busy. However, Miss Terry is going to make sure that he does.

“The day after I retired? I got the 12 Commandments of being retired by my chair on the table. S I had orders from headquarters, man. It didn’t take long,” Saban laughed.