Greg Sankey reveals what it's like interacting with new ESPN analyst Nick Saban

Just about everyone at SEC Media Days in Dallas has had to adjust to former Alabama head coach Nick Saban making his transition from the sideline to the studio. Becoming an analyst for ESPN and SEC Network following his retirement in January.

After 22 years of being the most prominent head coach in the conference, Saban has gone from answering the questions to asking them this week at media days. Which SEC commissioner Greg Sankey discussed during an interview on SEC Network Wednesday morning.

“The most fascinating thing Monday was I was asked to evaluate his impact, his change in life, and what he’s going to contribute to the came afterwards. And so you’re listening to the question while you’re trying to formulate an answer and then you see he’s back there on an elevated platform lighted up, looking at you answering this question about him,” Sankey explained.

“But needless to say, I think I handled that one fine.”

Saban’s transition has been a fascinating one to watch in real time. A coach who’s regarded by many as the best of all time in college football known as an intimidating figure with a stern personality. But now as a media member, a new side of Saban has been on display. Showing a warmer side of himself with humor, smiles, and a high level of insight and knowledge on the game that not many can rival.

His knowledge of the game was seen when he was a part of ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage in April and has been showcased all week during SEC Media Days. But what Sankey has appreciated most was Saban’s insight regarding his change in perspective.

“We just did a segment on Marty & McGee that I thought was really deep. Both his perspective as a coach and talking about being here for I don’t know, almost 20 years. A couple years in the pros, actually more than 20 times total,” Sankey explained.

“He says, ‘You’re here and you’re gone.’ And he says, ‘I’m here now and I’m seeing all that happens around it.’ And I took that as a compliment, the appreciation that wow, there’s a lot that goes in to making media days and everything around it take place.”

It will be fascinating to see Saban continue to provide his unique perspective in the early stages of his media career. Which can be seen through Thursday this week on SEC Network for media days and this upcoming season as a member of ESPN’s College GameDay.