Nick Saban 'encouraged' by what he saw from Alabama on A-Day

For the first time in his career, Nick Saban watched the A-Day Game from a suite rather than behind the Alabama offense. After retiring in January, Saban got his first chance to be a fan at the Crimson Tide’s spring game, watching it from a box at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Speaking to reporters in Irondale, Alabama on Thursday morning ahead of the fourth-annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at Church of the Highlands, Saban shared his impressions of Alabama’s spring game – which saw the offense defeat the defense, 34-28 – last month.

“I was encouraged,” Saban said, according to the Trussville Tribune. “I thought the team looked well-coached. They played hard. They played with a lot of discipline. I know they got a lot of young players at some positions, so their development is going to be critical to success. 

“I think they kept pretty good continuity through this last portal, and hopefully, they’ll add some pieces that will help them next fall.”

The spring transfer portal window closed on Tuesday night, and Alabama only saw four players move on after spring drills. That total included one offensive lineman, one defensive lineman and two defensive backs. On the flip side, the Tide added one offensive lineman, one kicker and one defensive back who entered the transfer portal in the 15-day window.

Alabama is looking to add other transfers, as well, and three players are visiting Tuscaloosa this weekend, per BamaOnLine senior recruiting editor Andrew Bone. UA head coach Kalen DeBoer mentioned offensive line and defensive back as areas the Crimson Tide would look to add depth via the portal, and two-thirds of this week’s visitors address those needs.

Saban has been busy with speaking engagements like the one he participated in on Thursday, as well as the 2024 NFL Draft. Next week, he will be in Birmingham for the Regions Tradition Pro-Am, where he could be paired with DeBoer at Greystone Golf & Country Club. 

Unaware of his playing partner, Saban praised DeBoer through his first four months at UA.

“I think he’s doing a really, really good job,” Saban said of DeBoer. “He’s a good person. He’s a good man. I think he’s got a good staff. Hopefully, they can keep the continuity of the team together and add some pieces that will help them be successful.”

Saban on working the 2024 NFL Draft

Last week, Saban was in Detroit for the 2024 NFL Draft. That’s not unusual, as the former Alabama coach has had 47 first-round picks and attended several drafts to support his players. But this time, he was there as part of ABC’s broadcast of the event, analyzing the first three rounds on Thursday and Friday beside his College GameDay co-workers.

One week later, Saban shared his thoughts on his television debut as an analyst for ESPN.

“It’s a lot of preparation,” Saban said. “You’ve gotta watch probably 200 players to be able to go up there and do the first three rounds. A lot of research, background information. Almost as if you were in the NFL getting ready for the draft, which I spent eight years doing.

“But it gave me something to do, it kept me busy and it was fun to be a part of that team.”

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