Nick Saban not included as part of ESPN, SEC Network coverage for 2025 SEC Kickoff, media days

With its media days starting next week, the SEC announced its plans for coverage of the conference’s kickoff. However, one notable name will not be on the set.

Nick Saban was not included in a press release from ESPN and SEC Network detailing its plans to be on-site July 14-17 in Atlanta. The legendary Alabama head coach was a central part of the coverage last year as he began his time at ESPN, just before his first season on College GameDay, when he delivered an Emmy-winning performance.

SEC Network is planning nearly 50 hours of live programming from the 2025 SEC Kickoff, the network announced. That includes a special edition of SEC Now July 15, as well as the second installment of SEC Startup Monday night following the first day of press conferences.

SEC Network’s panel of analysts will include mainstays Paul Finebaum, Jordan Rodgers, Greg McElroy, Roman Harper and Benjamin Watson. Additionally, Chris Doering, Dusty Dvoracek, Randall Cobb and Cole Cubelic will be part of the coverage. Laura Rutledge, Dari Nowkhah, Peter Burns and Alyssa Lang will serve as studio hosts.

Burns and Doering will continue hosting SEC This Morning daily from SEC Media Days, and SEC Now will carry coverage throughout each day. A special edition of SEC Now will air Tuesday night – a one-hour special with Rutledge, Rodgers, McElroy, Finebaum, Harper and Watson on the desk.

Of course, The Paul Finebaum Show will also air each afternoon. Coaches, players and members of the media will join the set, as per tradition.

SEC Media Days officially get underway July 14. Commissioner Greg Sankey will start things off with a 9:05 a.m. ET press conference, followed by all 18 coaches. SEC coordinator of officials John McDaid will also speak Tuesday at 9:05 a.m. ET. Here is the full schedule:

2025 SEC Media Days schedule

All time Eastern

Monday, July 14

Greg Sankey, Commissioner – 9:05 a.m.
Brian Kelly, LSU – 10:25 a.m.
Shane Beamer, South Carolina – 11:45 a.m.
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss – 1:30 p.m.
Clark Lea, Vanderbilt – 3:20 p.m.

Tuesday, July 15

John McDaid, SEC coordinator of officials – 9:05 a.m.
Kirby Smart, Georgia – 10:05 a.m.
Hugh Freeze, Auburn – 12:15 p.m.
Josh Heupel, Tennessee – 1:30 p.m.
Steve Sarkisian, Texas – 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday, July 16

Kalen DeBoer, Alabama – 9:05 a.m.
Jeff Lebby, Mississippi State – 10:50 a.m.
Billy Napier, Florida – 1 p.m.
Brent Venables, Oklahoma – 2:45 p.m.

Thursday, July 17

Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri – 9:05 a.m.
Mark Stoops, Kentucky – 10:50 a.m.
Sam Pittman, Arkansas – 1 p.m.
Mike Elko, Texas A&M – 2:45 p.m.