ESPN: Nick Saban cited how Alabama players reacted to Michigan loss, focus on NIL as reasons for retirement

Nick Saban went on in heartbreaking fashion. His final game as a college football head coach came at the Rose Bowl, with Michigan taking down Alabama in the College Football Playoff. A game not many expected the Crimson Tide to be playing in but the loss still stung in Tuscaloosa after Jalen Milroe was stopped on fourth down in overtime.

While Michigan was overwhelmed with joy, Alabama players reacted to the disappointment. Saban was not too thrilled with their actions, saying it was not something he wanted in his program. Had Alabama won, Saban would have expected a classy response. And while the same expectations are there following a loss, that’s not what unfolded in Pasadena.

So much so that Saban admitted it played a role in his eventual retirement.

“I want to be clear that wasn’t the reason, but some of those events certainly contributed,” Saban said via ESPN’s Chris Low. “I was really disappointed in the way that the players acted after the game. You gotta win with class. You gotta lose with class. We had our opportunities to win the game and we didn’t do it, and then showing your ass and being frustrated and throwing helmets and doing that stuff … that’s not who we are and what we’ve promoted in our program.”

While there might not be many losses on Saban’s resume at Alabama, the majority of them hurt. Iron Bowl losses stick with fans, while multiple national championship games have been dropped. Everyone deals with the moment differently but Saban wanted it done a certain way.

He did not see it play out correctly, in his eyes, on Jan. 1 at the Rose Bowl.

Alabama players looking for NIL deals, guaranteed playing time in 2024

As is natural in college football, Alabama was going to deal with some roster turnover this season. Between the NCAA transfer portal and the NFL Draft, players are consistently leaving. Kalen DeBoer certainly understands and has dealt with some crucial losses since taking over.

Had Saban decided to stay though, he felt pretty good about the 2024 squad. Milroe was always going to come back and have quality weapons surrounding him. Somebody like Caleb Downs or Kaydn Proctor would not have transferred out either, admitting Saban was why they were at Alabama. Overall, the roster was thought to be in a great spot.

But end-of-season conversations with players made Saban question how he operated. Instead of asking about improving heading into next season, Saban was discussing guaranteed playing time and potential NIL deals to prevent them from transferring.

“I thought we could have a hell of a team next year, and then maybe 70 or 80 percent of the players you talk to, all they want to know is two things: What assurances do I have that I’m going to play because they’re thinking about transferring, and how much are you going to pay me?” Saban recounted. “Our program here was always built on how much value can we create for your future and your personal development, academic success in graduating and developing an NFL career on the field.

“So I’m saying to myself, ‘Maybe this doesn’t work anymore, that the goals and aspirations are just different and that it’s all about how much money can I make as a college player?’ I’m not saying that’s bad. I’m not saying it’s wrong, I’m just saying that’s never been what we were all about, and it’s not why we had success through the years.”

Saban will still be involved at Alabama, with DeBoer and AD Greg Byrne involving him when necessary. Most topics are likely to be big-picture and away from day-to-day problems. DeBoer will now be the one having to manage a roster with players wanting NIL money or more playing time.