Longtime Alabama head coach Nick Saban is venturing into broadcasting and joining ESPN’s College GameDay ahead of next season.
Saban, who announced his retirement following his and the Crimson Tide’s eighth appearance in the College Football Playoff, will put on a headset and pick up a microphone for ESPN “primarily as an analyst on the set of College Gameday”, according to a release.
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“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 stated in a release. “I’ll do my best to offer additional insights and perspectives to contribute to College GameDay, the ultimate Saturday tradition for college football fans.”
Saban’s retirement sent shock waves around college football, and it also tipped a domino in the coaching carousel that has seen at least three head coaches take openings in succession of one another.
Kalen DeBoer departed Washington for the opening at Alabama, Jedd Fisch left his post at Arizona for the Huskies opening and Brent Brennan took the position with the Wildcats after coaching at San Jose State.
According to a release, Saban will “also contribute to ESPN’s extensive, multi-day NFL Draft coverage, and make appearances tied to SEC Media Days across ESPN platforms, including SEC Network.”
“Nick Saban is a singular, iconic presence in college football,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro stated in a release. “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.”
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Saban’s first assignment and additional details “will be announced at a later date,” according to a release.
ESPN’s College Gameday completed its 30th season on the road and 37th overall after last season. It finished as the “second-most watched season since 2011 and fourth-best all time,” according to a release.
