Nick Saban put one rumor to rest from being the reason of why he chose to retire from the University of Alabama.
Some people thought health issues were the reason for Saban and Miss Terry to leave, but that is not it.
Coach Saban had an interview with ESPN’s Rece Davis on Thursday inside the Mal Moore Athletic Facility. Saban explained that no time is never a good time to leave what you love, but this was the right time for him. The 72-year-old led the Crimson Tide for 17 years since 2007, winning six national championship and nine Southeastern Conference Championships at Alabama.
He crowned four Heisman Trophy winners, put 100+ players in the NFL Draft, signed several top-ranked recruiting classes, and elevated the Crimson Tide to the gold standard of college football. Saban also changed the infrastructure of the state of Alabama.
RELATED: Nick Saban revealed the reason why he chose to retire from coaching Alabama football
He told Davis that he and Miss Terry are fine.
“There is no illness,” Saban said. “I am fine. Miss Terry is fine. But, it was the ‘can you sustain the season?’ It was a mental grind, and when I was young … I could work to 2 am in the morning, get up at six, and be there for the next day full of energy and go for it. When you get older, it is tougher. I am sure a lot of people can relate to that.”
The grind of college football led to Saban’s decision.
He had to assure people time and time again that we would return to coach; however, this time was different.
Saban and his family leave the coaching side in good health and on their terms. Davis also reports that Saban will be given an office above Bryant-Denny Stadium. Saban told Davis he is interested in two things after coaching: 1. Finding parameters and building a framework for college football during this era of transfer portal and NIL, ultimately aiding the sport, and 2. Broadcasting in some capacity, because he “knows he’s good at it.” ESPN should have no issues welcoming Saban.
The good news in all of this is there was no health scare issue.
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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.
