Nobody is above the rules, not even the legendary former Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
The college football world was left in shock when Saban retired following the 2023 season. His recent experience at SEC Media Days in Dallas underscored his new reality: even icons need credentials.
Saban, attending the event as a media member for ESPN, was unexpectedly turned away at the entrance because he didn’t have the required credential. The seven-time national champion was stopped by security, a moment that highlighted the strict adherence to protocol at the event.
Reflecting on the incident, Saban told ESPN’s Mike Greenberg on Monday’s episode of “Get Up,” “It’s a little different. I’ve never worn a credential in my life and was always, for 17 years, able to get into SEC Media Day without a credential. I had to go back to the room today and get my credential to get in. That’s one of the biggest changes I see.”
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Given Saban’s status as one of the most recognizable figures in college football, the notion that he would need a credential to access any room, especially SEC Media Days, seems almost humorous. However, this experience underscores the dedication of the event staff to uphold their responsibilities, and Saban appeared to take the situation in stride.
At 72 years old, Saban had dedicated the previous 50 years of his life to coaching before deciding to retire in January. His decision to step down was influenced by several factors, as he explained to the Paul Finebaum Show in May.
“I tried to hire three coaches and every one of them wanted to know how long I was gonna be there at the end of the season. Every recruit wanted to know how long you’re going to be here. When you’re 72 years old, it’s hard to say, ‘I’m gonna be here for the next four years,’” Saban said. “But the question I had for a lot of people is, ‘How long you gonna be here?’”
Despite his illustrious career, Saban’s encounter at SEC Media Days serves as a reminder of the changing dynamics in his life post-retirement. While he might need to adjust to carrying credentials now, his influence and legacy in the sport remain unmatched.
As he transitions to his new role in the media, Saban might reconsider his approach to ensure smoother access to events. Nevertheless, this incident is a testament to the sometimes humbling experiences even the greatest can face, highlighting the end of one remarkable chapter and the beginning of another.
