Nick Saban details challenges of stepping back from coaching

It’s been a different kind of challenge for Nick Saban to step back from coaching. The former Alabama head coach is headed for the Hall of Fame of course, and is starting his new career on TV.

But coaching is in his blood. That’ll be the biggest adjustment in 2024 when he’s breaking down games across the country rather than the Crimson Tide’s next opponent.

Most importantly, Saban will miss the people around him in the building.

“I think that’s been the biggest thing,” Saban said. “The relationship that you have with the people that you work with every day and the players that you have relationships with and trying to inspire and help them. You know, that’s probably the thing I miss the most.”

Yes, Saban misses coaching but leaving a big part of your life behind can also lead to new things. Like more time with family in his later years.

Saban certainly enjoyed retirement from that perspective.

“It’s good,” Saban said. “Terry and I have enjoyed our time together. You’ve got a little more time for family. You get to see grandkids a little more. It’s been really, really good. Play a little more golf, so that’s not good, but it’s fun. So it’s been good. 

“I’m anxious to see that we can do whatever we can to continue to support Alabama athletics and the athletic program and the football program and hope that the players and the coaches that are there continue to have a great amount of success.”

With Saban retired, he’ll do television and have a different office inside Bryant Denny Stadium, but it’s the Kalen DeBoer show moving forward.

“I haven’t been around. I really tried to stay at arm’s length,” Saban said on Monday. “I don’t want them to think I’m looking over anyone’s shoulder. I think he’s hired a good staff and I think he’s a good man. I think he’s a great coach and I think he’ll do a really good job.”

DeBoer’s first season as head coach at Alabama will be his third at the Power Five level — but it’s unlikely that fans will tolerate any time of learning curve. Since he’s been coaching at college football’s highest level, DeBoer has lost just three games and was undefeated against ranked opponents until Washington lost to Michigan in the national championship game this past season.

It’ll be quite hard to live up to the Saban legacy, regardless of who you are. Overall, it’ll be quite the new dynamic at Alabama with the legendary coach away from the sidelines.