Saturday, November 14, 2026

Nick Saban to Join Set of College GameDay

  • Former Alabama coach becomes sixth member of ESPN’s flagship college program.
  • Saban will also contribute to ESPN’s NFL draft coverage.
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban does his traditional walk around at Bryant-Denny Stadium before a game against the Tennessee Volunteers.
Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Nick Saban is trading the headset for a microphone. 

The legendary Alabama coach, who retired after the Crimson Tide lost to Michigan in the Rose Bowl, will join the set of College GameDay for the 2024 season, ESPN announced. Saban will also contribute to ESPN’s NFL draft coverage, though his start is still being determined. 

“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,” Saban said. “I’ll do my best to offer additional insights and perspectives to contribute to College GameDay, the ultimate Saturday tradition for college football fans.”

Saban won seven national championships over his 28-year coaching career, six at Alabama and one at LSU. The Tide were a touchdown away from playing Washington in the national championship game but came up short in overtime. He joins a cast that already adjusted well to a newcomer last season in Pat McAfee, along with staples Rece Davis, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard, and Kirk Herbstreit. 

In the past, Saban had a regular Thursday spot on McAfee’s radio show and filled in as a guest analyst for ESPN’s college football coverage, making him no stranger to his new colleagues or employer. As a coach, Saban was a bit of a mixed bag with the media. He could be anything from adversarial, funny, difficult, or insightful without much warning. During his later years, he became friendlier with the media. Now he’s one of them. 

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ole Miss–Oklahoma Moved to Sunday, Sooners AD Rips Decision

Ole Miss–Oklahoma has been rescheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

College Football Teams Caught Up in Nationwide Flight Stoppage

Three Big Ten teams are still trying to travel to game sites.
Purdue University Northwest women's flag football

How Much Women’s College Flag Football Coaches Make

Flag coaching pay varies by more than $100,000 across NCAA divisions.

College Sports Bill Proponents Mount Last-Ditch Lobbying Effort

Protect College Sports Act proponents are sending letters, running ads, and more.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/13/26 – NFL Ratings Records, Softball Players Unionize, Skubal Deal Looms

0:00

Featured Today

Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Brentford - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - October 10, 2026 Aston Villa's Boubacar Kamara applauds fans after the match

English Soccer Still Inundated by Gambling Ads Despite Jersey Ban

The ban on front-of-shirt gambling ads looks strict, but it’s largely cosmetic.
West Wind Mahjong
November 11, 2026

Mahjong Mania Has Come for College Sports

Bespoke retailers are cashing in with officially licensed mahjong sets.
November 6, 2026

Can MLS Capitalize on Son-Mania?

Korea and Tottenham fans alike have flocked to LAFC’s away matches.
Pickering High School North
November 4, 2026

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Exclusive

Dianna Russini Will Seek Credential for Super Bowl Radio Row

Some NFL teams cite her association with BetUS as an issue.
Exclusive
November 12, 2026

NBA Doubles Down on Kenny Beecham, Enjoy Basketball

Enjoy Basketball previously had a three-episode pilot deal with the league.
Formula One F1 - United States Grand Prix - Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. - October 25, 2026 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in action during the race
November 13, 2026

FIA Bans F1 Journalist for Calling Driver a ‘Sneaky Little Bastard’

The journalist said he will be reinstated next year.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
November 12, 2026

NFL Viewership Climbs As ESPN, Amazon Deliver Double-Digit Gains

ESPN and Amazon have generated significant audience increases.
November 11, 2026

Mike Tomlin Knows Coaching Talk Is ‘Going to Come Up’ Soon

The ex-Steelers coach is “enjoying” his NBC Sports role.
Dianna Russini BetUS
November 11, 2026

Russini’s Return Hits 45-Minute Delay, Sidesteps Vrabel Scandal

Russini did joke about memes that have been made about her.
Nov 8, 2026; Madrid, ESP; A general overall view of the 2026 NFL Madrid Game at an empty Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
November 11, 2026

NFL Network’s Europe Games Average a Record 6.9M in First ESPN Season

NFL Network games this season also stream on the ESPN app.