Former Alabama Star Gets Brutally Honest On Why Nick Saban Retired

Former Alabama star Kool-Aid McKinstry thinks NIL absolutely played a role in Nick Saban hanging up his whistle.

The seven-time national champion hung up his whistle after this past season in a decision that surprised a lot of fans. Many people thought he still had a few more seasons in him. I guess not.

As soon as Saban retired, many started to wonder whether or not NIL turning the sport into the wild west played a role. The legendary Alabama coach has hinted NIL played some kind of role and told a Congressional hearing that the sport he knew for decades doesn't really exist anymore.

Now, his former star Crimson Tide DB is adding to the chorus of voices who think NIL was a major motivation.

Kool-Aid McKinstry discusses Nick Saban retiring.

McKinstry said the following on "RG3 and the Ones" when talking about if NIL played a role in Saban's retirement, according to On3:

"Yeah I definitely do. I definitely think that. I was the last class that really, he didn’t have to worry about asking for money and stuff like that coming out of high school. People worry about the wrong thing. They worry about money like he always looked at it like, you’re going to get money when you get to the league. I’m just here to help you be a better man, help you be a better player, help you make all the money that you want to make in the league. Yeah there’s money here but this ain’t the money that’s going to help you take care of your family, change your generational wealth. Coach Saban just always wanted the best for us as a player and person."

McKinstry's comments shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone given what Saban has admitted himself about the current state of football.

He told members of Congress in March, "Well, all the things I believed in for all these years - 50 years of coaching - no longer exist in college athletics. So, it was always about developing players. It was always about helping people be more successful in life."

As McKinstry pointed out, Saban wanted to help build men who could get to the NFL and get rich there. Now, it's all about guys getting paid immediately or leaving for a school that will write a bigger check.

It's a sad state of affairs, and there's no doubt in my mind it played some kind of role in Saban's retirement. Was it the main factor? Probably not. After all, he's in his 70s and has earned the right to relax and enjoy himself.

What role did NIL play in Nick Saban's retirement? (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

What will be interesting is to see if NIL drives many more coaches into retirement. My guess is yes, but only time will tell. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.