Nick Saban Is Coming To Your City, Joins ESPN's College Gameday Cast

Legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban has been retired less than a month, but the former head football coach has already agreed to his next gig. It was announced on Wednesday that Saban will be joining the College Gameday crew on ESPN starting this Fall. 

After making appearances during the 2023 season on the Pat McAfee show, it seemed as though a future with ESPN was in the works for whenever he decided to retire. Now, not only will Nick Saban be appearing weekly with the College Gameday crew, he will also serve as an analyst for the upcoming NFL Draft and SEC Media Days. 

This is a massive grab for ESPN, as it continues to battle FOX and its Big Noon Kickoff as the lead-in to college football games across the country. Now, with ESPN taking over the rights to the SEC, a move to bring Nick Saban aboard made perfect sense. 

"ESPN and College GameDay have played such an important role in the growth of college football, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to join their team," said Nick Saban. "I’ll do my best to offer additional insights and perspectives to contribute to College GameDay, the ultimate Saturday tradition for college football fans."

If you thought this was a move that would see the exit of Lee Corso, that doesn't seem to be the case for the upcoming season. In the press release from ESPN, Corso was named as one of the talents appearing on the weekly show this season along with Pat McAfee. 

The former Alabama coach has been seen on the golf course in the last month, enjoying his time away from the football building. On Wednesday, Nick Saban was playing in the Waste Management Pro-Am in Phoenix, wearing his traditional Alabama straw-hat. 

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Corey Conners of Canada and former college football head coach Nick Saban pose together during the Pro-am to the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on February 7, 2024. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Nick Saban Will Continue To Be Part Of SEC Media Days

Being that the conference is moving to ESPN this Fall, it only seemed right that the former Alabama coach would still be around for SEC Media Days. The network announced that he would be appearing as an analyst for the upcoming NFL Draft, but most importantly, he will be appearing across multiple platforms at SEC Media Days this upcoming summer. 

This is such a smart move by the network to get Nick Saban in a different setting at the event. In the past, we haven't seen the former head coach get the opportunity to breakdown opposing teams and offer his insight into the sport of college football. Now, Saban will get the opportunity to discuss his former rivals, while also potentially interviewing them at the same time. 

"Nick Saban is a singular, iconic presence in college football. He is also an extremely gifted communicator, who will immediately add even more credibility, authority and entertainment value to ESPN, including our esteemed College GameDay show.," ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro noted. 

This dynamic will only help the network maximize the aura of Saban, especially with some of the outspoken coaches around the Southeastern Conference. 

I can already picture it now, with Lane Kiffin and Nick Saban sitting next to each other on the set, throwing playful jabs at one another. It would also not surprise me one bit if Nick Saban is involved in the upcoming SEC Spring Meetings in Destin. 

Overall, this is a win for ESPN and Nick Saban, while he can continue to enjoy his retirement life, but letting his voice continue to be heard around college football. 

The new ESPN contract with the SEC is already paying off, with one announcement full of fireworks.