Greg Sankey calls for Nick Saban to help SEC avoid 'rat poison'

Nick Saban is no longer a head coach in the SEC, but Greg Sankey still considers him an integral part of the conference. At SEC Media Days on Monday, the conference commissioner revealed how Saban can continue to help the SEC in his retirement.

“Help us avoid rat poison would be the first on the list,” Sankey said. “He and I spoke – it was a couple of days after the announcement of his retirement. And I think one of Nick’s observations that I think it’s fine to share is the ability to be influential in a different role outside of coaching. He and I probably dealt with, ‘Well, you’re doing this because Nick thinks it’s competitively favorable.’ One of the things I found over time is Nick, in many ways, uniquely thought ahead on issues, provided really deep and clear insight.

“He and I have had any number of conversations over – this is my 10th year as Commissioner, but – I’ve been in the SEC for 23 years and but for the two years he was with the Dolphins, were in conversation throughout those couple of decades. So I think he can bring that clarity. I think he can bring an understanding that even I don’t have dealing with these issues on the front lines as a head football coach, and I know he brings a love of the game overall to an analysis.

Nick Saban went 292-71-1 in 28 years as a head college football coach, including an NCAA-record seven national championship – six at Alabama alone – before retiring at the end of last season following 17 years in Tuscaloosa. Saban will now serve as an analyst on ESPN’s “College GameDay” during the upcoming season.

Nick Saban is a resounding voice in college football

While Saban was dominant on the field, he was also a leading voice against issues facing college football. With over 50 years of coaching experience, Saban understands these issues better than nearly anybody and has been outspoken about them in the past.

Sankey hopes Saban will continue to be vocal in his new role.

“I have seen him engage in conversations already in a big picture problem-solving way, and I hope that will continue,” Sankey said. “He can evaluate my performance, since he’s sitting in the room listening, my performance in answering that question.”

Fans will surely hear more from Sankey and Saban this week. The 2024 SEC Media Days will conclude on Thursday.