“Holy over pay,” “Stupid tax reason”: $80M worth Nick Saban’s annual salary leaves CFB fans in shambles

Nick Saban’s new salary after retiring from Alabama has left college football fans stunned. He will stay on as an employee of the university's athletic department with the title "professional." According to Nick Kelly of the Tuscaloosa News, Saban will earn an annual salary of $500,000.04, paid monthly at $41,666.67. The new role, which started on March 1, involves a 40-hour work week.

Fans reacted strongly on X (formerly Twitter).

"Holy overpay," one fan said.

“I'm sure there is some stupid tax reason for the 4¢,” another fan said.

“Wonder if Kay Ivey’s 2% raise mandate applies to him,” one fan said.

Another fan felt like something fishy was going on.

“So he is employed by alabama and also ESPN college gameday?? something fishy is going on,” a fan said.

“Poor guy,” another fan said.

“Why the 4 cents and not just a round 500k?” one fan said.

Reportedly, Saban, worth $80M (per Celebrity Net Worth), will work from an office at Bryant-Denny Stadium, moving from the Mal Moore Athletic Facility where football operations are housed. Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne confirmed this change. Byrne, who appeared on ‘The Paul Finebaum Show’ in January, described Saban's new role as an "adviser."

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Nick Saban's final paycheck surpasses new coach Kalen DeBoer's first

Last season, Nick Saban remained the highest-paid public-school coach in college football, earning $11.41 million from Alabama. According to AL.com, Saban received his last paycheck of $858,716 on February 29, which surpassed the paycheck of the new head coach Kalen DeBoer, who earned $834,978 in his first full monthly paycheck at the end of February.

In addition to his coaching legacy, Saban has joined ESPN as an analyst on College GameDay, though his salary and contract details remain undisclosed.

Alabama Crimson Tide is set to kick off its 2024 season on August 31 against Western Kentucky.