Greg Sankey speculates on what comes next for Nick Saban after retirement

Nick Saban is retiring on his terms. At 72, the seven-time national champion has decided it was best to step down as Alabama‘s head coach.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, who has been front and center for multiple SEC Championship wins and College Football Playoff appearances on the Crimson Tide’s behalf, believes Saban’s decision to hand over his dynasty at this point is admirable.

“The cool thing is he gets to decide, right? He’s making a decision about the next chapter,” Sankey said on Wednesday evening during an appearance on the SEC Network. “He’s got a life, a lot of life, a lot of energy left. He’s stepping away from a role, I would not expect him to step away from the game.

“I would expect that people will call for his perspective. I think he’ll have the opportunity to mentor coaches, old coaches, middle-aged coaches, and young coaches who want to come and gain from his wisdom. I’ll call him shortly and congratulate him on his decision but also ask for his perspective. It’s been an opportunity to watch someone work at the highest level and perform in a way that you know, a name like John Wooden comes to mind when you think about success over time.”

That process is likely already taking place. ESPN’s Chris Low expects Nick Saban to play a hand in helping the Crimson Tide come to a final decision in finding his ultimate successor. His input, while certainly not necessary, will always hold weight around Tuscaloosa.

Low’s colleague, ESPN’s Pete Thamel, revealed a list that named Dan Lanning — who has since announced that he will remain head coach of the Oregon Ducks — alongside a host of other names as well, including Dabo Swinney, James Franklin, Marcus Freeman, Mike Norvell and more.

Whether one of these names ultimately becomes the new Alabama boss, the Crimson Tide will likely want to swiftly start and conclude their search for a new head football coach to succeed arguably the greatest head coach in college football history. According to Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne, the next time he will speak publicly is going to be to announce the team’s new head coach.

“Congratulations to [Saban],” Sankey concluded. “I know there are high expectations for how the role will be filled. I have confidence in President [Stuart] Bell and Greg Byrne in his role as athletics director that they’ll be incredibly focused.”