Nick Saban to Join Set of College GameDay

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.