Paul Finebaum evaluates Nick Saban’s SEC Media Days performance

Alabama head coach Nick Saban wanted to talk about anything but football at SEC Media Days. Paul Finebaum recently discussed the legendary figure’s intriguing disposition at the event.

“In reality, he probably would have preferred skipping it,” Finebaum said with a laugh on “The Matt Barries Show.” “He started by talking about celebrating his 52nd wedding anniversary in a three-week tour of Italy.

“He’s talking about test driving Ferraris, and then he said, ‘All of you folks should really go there. I’m like, everybody knows the media business right now. Saban is encouraging a bunch of sports writers, hanging on for their life: ‘Go ahead and go on and consider taking your wife to Florence for three or four weeks when you get a break.’ I mean, it was just so tone-deaf on one level. It was hilarious on the other. That was the most interesting thing he said,” Finebaum said.

Saban isn’t known for how relatable he is. The 71-year-old head coach has led Alabama to six National Championship victories and has an estimated $70 million net worth. He has nothing left to prove. Nonetheless, ESPN’s Matt Barries isn’t convinced Saban is done just yet.

“He’s gonna do it in the regular season. He’s gonna come out with that Coke bottle that he never drinks from on the podium. He’s gonna get after the media for not talking good about him, and then he’ll get after the media for talking too good about him.

“At this point in his career, to me, he’s just up there playing opossum. Like, ‘Listen, I’ve got a talented team. I’m going to pick a quarterback. We’re going to win a lot of football games. You can say what you want about Kirby Smart. You can do that.’ I think he’s so secure in what he’s done. He just doesn’t care what people think anymore.”

Saban has earned that right. Since the College Football Playoff was created in 2014, Alabama has never gone three years straight without winning it all. For those doing the math, it’s been two years since the Crimson Tide won the national title. Saban has the tools to reclaim the crown this season.

With seven five-star recruits, 19 four-stars and two three-stars in Alabama’s 2023 recruiting class, Saban has a lot to look forward to. Add on a new offensive and defensive coordinator, and there’s no telling what the Crimson Tide are capable of.

Finebaum isn’t fooled by Saban’s distracted act at SEC Media Days.

“There’s a routine to it that he knows. He knows he’s got everything in his back pocket,” Finebaum said.