The college football world was abuzz this week as former Alabama head coach Nick Saban found himself in an unfamiliar situation at SEC Media Days in Dallas. The legendary coach, who retired in January after 17 seasons with the Crimson Tide, was sent back to his room to retrieve his media credential before he could enter the event.
Saban, now a member of ESPN’s broadcast team, admitted that he was still adjusting to being on the “other side” of things. For nearly two decades, he had been able to attend SEC Media Days without needing a credential. But now, as a retired coach and media personality, he had to follow the same protocols as everyone else.
“It’s a little different. I’ve never worn a credential in my life. I was always, for 17 years, able to get into SEC Media Days without a credential,” Saban said. “I had to go back to the room today to get my credential to get in. That’s one of the biggest changes I see — it’s not like it used to be.”
Despite the inconvenience, Saban took the situation in stride, acknowledging the necessity of the credential check and praising the official who handled the situation with politeness. It was a small reminder for the coach that he was no longer the head of a powerhouse football program, but rather a retired legend enjoying his new role in the media.
Saban’s successor at Alabama, Kalen DeBoer, was also a topic of discussion at SEC Media Days. The former Washington head coach, who amassed a 25-3 record in two seasons with the Huskies, was hired to lead the Crimson Tide in January. DeBoer is set to take the podium on Wednesday morning in Dallas, where he will face the media scrutiny and high expectations that come with coaching at one of college football’s premier programs.
As Saban continues to navigate his post-coaching career and DeBoer prepares to lead Alabama into a new era, SEC Media Days served as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of college football. The sport may evolve, but the excitement and anticipation surrounding it remain constant, ensuring that fans and media alike will be eagerly following every twist and turn of the upcoming season.
