By Adeniyi Precious 
Nick Saban’s Retirement: A Year Later, the Legacy Lives On
By Michael Casagrande
So, a year ago today, Nick Saban stepped away from coaching, and honestly, it still feels a little surreal. The guy who built one of the greatest dynasties in college football decided it was time to call it quits at 72. It shocked some, but let’s be real—it was bound to happen sooner or later.
When the news broke, it hit like a bombshell. Rival fans threw parties, and Alabama fans? Well, they weren’t exactly ready to let go. Statues, tributes, you name it—the guy was treated like royalty. Fast forward a year, and we’re finally seeing the full picture of what his departure meant for the game and for Bama.
Saban, as always, had impeccable timing. He saw the winds shifting in college football. NIL (name, image, likeness) deals and transfer portal rules were reshaping the game. Recruiting wasn’t just about snagging high school stars anymore; it was about keeping your current players happy and battling deep-pocketed programs with billionaire alumni. Saban knew the game was changing in ways that didn’t fit his usual playbook.
And honestly, Alabama wasn’t as stacked as it used to be. Coaches were leaving, depth was thinning, and while Saban had reinvented himself before (like after that 2013 slump), this time, it was different. The Crimson Tide had cracks in the foundation, and Saban wasn’t about to let his legacy get tarnished by sticking around too long.
His final season wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t a disaster either. The 2023 team wasn’t his strongest, yet they managed to pull off a legendary win against Georgia in the SEC Championship. Denying Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs a third straight national title? Classic Saban mic drop.
Since stepping away, Saban’s been living his best life as an ESPN analyst. He’s smiling more, enjoying the work-life balance he never had as a coach, and still staying close to the game. Meanwhile, Alabama’s been struggling to find its rhythm without him, and his legacy looms larger than ever.
Sure, the dynasty days were over, but Saban knew when to bow out. He left on a high note, and even though time catches up with everyone, he proved one thing—he knows how to stick the landing.