Kirk Herbstreit reacts to Nick Saban joining ESPN, College GameDay
Kirk Herbstreit let everyone know how he feels about getting the chance to work with Nick Saban next season. It was reported Wednesday that Saban, who retired as Alabama football coach last month, will join Herbstreit as an analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay for the 2024 season.
Herbstreit took to Twitter to react to the news, indicating with a single emoji his excitement to work with the Crimson Tide legend. You can view his reaction below.
In addition to Herbstreit, Saban also joins Rece Davis, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee on the show. He will also reportedly appear on NFL Draft and SEC Media Days coverage.
It will be a big change for Saban, who spent the past five decades of his life on the coaching side. However, TV appearances will be nothing new to him and he should make a fine transition.
Saban made regular appearances on ESPN this past football season, joining the Pat McAfee Show for regular interviews throughout the season. Saban has also made appearances on College GameDay in the past, either ahead of a big Alabama game or joining the desk for coverage of the College Football Playoff when his team wasn’t in it.
Now fans can get used to seeing him a lot more, and Herbstreit couldn’t be more excited to get started.
Nick Saban releases statement on joining ESPN’s College GameDay
ESPN announced the hire of Saban on Wednesday, and the coach was quoted in the press release expressing his excitement for this next chapter of his career.
“ESPN and College GameDay have played such an important role in the growth of college football, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to join their team,” Saban said. “I’ll do my best to offer additional insights and perspectives to contribute to College GameDay, the ultimate Saturday tradition for college football fans.”
The first assignment for Saban — potentially something involving the 2024 NFL Draft in April — is yet to be announced. ESPN added that it will be announced at a later date.
And the move is a big win for ESPN, adding the seven-time national champion head coach and one of the most respected football minds on the planet to its pregame college football coverage.
“Nick Saban is a singular, iconic presence in college football. He is also an extremely gifted communicator, who will immediately add even more credibility, authority and entertainment value to ESPN, including our esteemed College GameDay show,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in the release.
Along with coaching at Alabama, where he won six national championships, Saban has been the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, LSU, Michigan State and Toledo. He also coached extensively as an assistant both in college and the NFL. He won his other national championship while coaching at LSU. As a head coach, Saban is 292-71-1.