Nick Saban has received numerous questions in his coaching career, including his 15 seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The main thought from fans, local media, national media, and others is how long will he continue to coach at this level?
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People wonder when Saban will call it a career and retire from molding young men into winners. It is a thought that aggravates Saban because he has been part of a team since childhood. He’s enjoyed mentoring players and coaches, he loves the challenge of competing against the best, he loves winning national championships, and he relishes seeing his players become successful in life after football. Saban attacked the retirement question at the Alabama Football Coaches Association clinic.
He said coaching keeps him going.
“Everybody asks me when I wanna retire. Retire from what?” Saban asked a room of coaches last month in Montgomery, Ala.
“I’m going to jump into an empty abyss, aight, of what am I going to do? The very challenges that I talk about and the things in our profession that concern me – for you and me both, in your game and our game – that’s what keeps me going. That’s why I get up every day. That’s why I can’t sleep at night sometimes. So why would you quit doing that? I haven’t figured that one out yet.”
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Saban’s priority is remaining ahead of the game.
It is why he continues to adapt, adjust, and evolve in his later years as a coach. He started his tenure with the Crimson Tide focused on defense and a strong rushing attack. Saban grew to love offense with Lane Kiffin and recruited athletes to fit an explosive system. He’s found different ways to win in an era that includes the NCAA transfer portal and name, image, and likeness deals for athletes. Many obstacles came at him, but Saban has navigated through each one to have his program in national championship conversations each season.
He loves the challenge of coaching and wants to continue in it. Saban will turn 71 years old in October.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
