Transitioning into retirement can pose challenges for someone as dedicated to their career as Nick Saban. Fortunately, he received guidance to navigate this new phase.
ESPN’s Chris Low spoke with the Saban family about how the iconic Alabama head coach is adjusting to retirement. The process commenced with advice from his wife, Terry.
The day after retiring, Saban discovered a note from Terry titled “The Ten Commandments of Retirement.”
While they didn’t disclose all ten rules, one encouraged Saban to join her at the dinner table and savor his meals more slowly. Additionally, while Terry typically fetched a blanket for Saban when they lounged on the couch, she now expected the same courtesy in return.
Moreover, the 72-year-old is gradually mastering modern technology, tasks that were previously managed by others during his coaching tenure.
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“He’s actually texting and reading his own emails and sent his first-ever email,” Terry shared. “He even took his first trip to the pharmacy to pick up his first prescription. He’s actually quite proud of himself.”
Saban acknowledged that he’s learning to embrace a slower pace after decades of non-stop coaching and recruiting duties. His daughter, Kristen, observed that her father seems more at ease since retiring.
However, Saban remains intent on filling his schedule with various activities. He’ll be part of College GameDay this season and has pursued other side ventures and hobbies.
“I can’t stand sitting around now any more than I could when I was coaching,” Saban remarked. “I want to stay busy. I think everybody looks at me like, ‘This guy’s a ball coach and that’s all he does.’ I’ve got businesses, I do speaking engagements. I’ve got my TV job now with ESPN. I like to play golf. I’ve got tons of stuff to do. So I’m not retiring to quit working.”
