It’s no real secret that college football has changed a lot in recent years with the introduction of the transfer portal and players profiting from their name, image, and likeness. And as Nick Saban steps into retirement, it’s pretty clear that he was not a fan of those changes at all.
During a recent interview with ESPN, Nick Saban expressed frustration that his players were worried about things like playing time and receiving compensation through NIL.
“I thought we could have a hell of a team next year, and then maybe 70 or 80 percent of the players you talk to, all they want to know is two things: What assurances do I have that I’m going to play because they’re thinking about transferring, and how much are you going to pay me?” Saban recounted. “Our program here was always built on how much value can we create for your future and your personal development, academic success in graduating and developing an NFL career on the field.
“So I’m saying to myself, ‘Maybe this doesn’t work anymore, that the goals and aspirations are just different and that it’s all about how much money can I make as a college player?’ I’m not saying that’s bad. I’m not saying it’s wrong, I’m just saying that’s never been what we were all about, and it’s not why we had success through the years.”
They were certainly some candid comments from Saban, but he got absolutely blasted for them on social media.
It sounds like Nick Saban was disgruntled that players were finally having the same conversations about assurances and compensation that coaches have had for decades. https://t.co/LFYmzoerfo
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) March 6, 2024
Nick Saban wanted ZERO PARTS of an even playing field. Makes ya wonder… https://t.co/BggpMKH2tx
— Khan SZN✨️ (@ChopChop570) March 6, 2024
It is so wild that the NCAA spent 100 years steering people away from the very basic truths of "why am I waking up in the morning" and "what compensation am I receiving for my efforts" https://t.co/MYVJqRXSBO
— The Wrestling Nomad (@wrestlingnomad) March 7, 2024
Nick knew he couldn’t hold up if the playing fields were even https://t.co/NB5ZqESdf5
— Hibachi Papi (@MrTweetYoGirl) March 6, 2024
What a coward. It’s the same reason he left the NFL. The second players start having power, he quits. https://t.co/dBmVETdYjR
— Dan Roberts (@robertsdaniel) March 6, 2024
The same Nick Saban that made $10.7 million dollars in 2022? While none of that money went to the guys playing on the field? https://t.co/xCApFhWbk7
— Tari | Official Lax Girl™️ (@officiallaxgirl) March 6, 2024
Nick Saban had an agreement with Bama boosters that he would get an automatic pay raise whenever a coach anywhere got paid more than him to ensure that he was always the highest-paid coach in college football.
When players worry about money it's a problem? https://t.co/u7dlh3FUy4
— T 🇧🇸🏴☠️ (@Taige42) March 6, 2024
Saban made it clear that these were not the sole reasons why he chose to retire, but they certainly impacted his decision.
[ESPN]
