'Young man' Nick Saban opens up on changes in college football, how long he plans to coach

Nick Saban got himself a nice payday this week when he agreed to a big-time contract extension. The deal runs through 2030, which could help end rumors and questions about the Alabama coach’s potential retirement.

During an interview with ESPN’s Chris Low, Saban sounded far from ready to step away from the game.

Saban spoke with Low about how much more he has left in the tank and how he’s been able to keep the Crimson Tide on top of college football despite sweeping changes across the game. His answer was fairly simple. Adaptability is the key.

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“First of all, I feel like a young man, aight? So let’s clear that up,” Saban told Low. “The 71 … is a number, just a number, and I still feel like they don’t make ’em like they used to, but you have to be flexible. I think that’s one of the most important things about competitive sports. You know, the game has changed. The 3-point shot changed basketball. So you either change with it or you fall behind.

“The no-huddle changed football, RPOs [run-pass-option plays] changed football. If you don’t sort of study the game and know the impact of these things and use them to your advantage, you’re going to just completely get bypassed by a lot of folks.”

Low also made sure to ask if Saban would still “be here” through the end of his contract, and the coach had a unique interpretation of the question.

“Still alive?” he asked, jokingly. “I sure plan to be here coaching.”

Full contract details revealed for Nick Saban’s new extension

Alabama will pay Saban, the seven-time national championship-winning head coach, $10.7 million in 2022 under his new deal. However, by 2029, he’ll receive at least $12.7 million.

The average of his contract once again makes him the highest-paid head coach in the NCAA. Georgia briefly made Kirby Smart the highest-paid head coach after he won the national championship in 2022. Although Smart’s deal is longer (10 years), he’ll make $12.25 million in 2031, which is less than Saban.