Former Alabama HC Nick Saban expresses regret over missed opportunity to recruit Georgia QB Carson Beck

Former Alabama coach Nick Saban drew curtains on his legendary coaching career in January this year. The 72-year-old won seven national titles (six with Alabama) but recently spoke about one of his regrets during his reign at the Tide.

During an appearance on the SEC Network on Tuesday, Saban expressed remorse over quarterback Carson Beck joining Georgia, after committing to Alabama.

"I know Carson Beck well," Saban said. "I hate it, but he was committed to us. Somebody else committed to us, and he went to Georgia.

"I always watch you guys, you have these relationships with and you're always proud of how they do and how they've developed."

Beck was one of the most sought-after high school quarterbacks in the 2020 class. He spent seven months as a commit to Alabama before de-committing and joining the Georgia Bulldogs.

In an interview with AL.com’s Josh Bean, Beck explained his decision to join Georgia over Alabama, despite admiring Saban.

“Every since about eighth grade, I had always wanted to play at Georgia,” Beck said. “That was kind of like my dream school in a way, and they never offered me early. Obviously, I liked Alabama. Nick Saban, great coach. I respect him, have full respect for him."

Beck redshirted his freshman year at Georgia. During the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he was used as a backup in Georgia's quarterback pool that featured Stetson Bennett, JT Daniels and D'Wan Mathis. Nonetheless, Beck played a part for the Bulldogs when they won back-to-back national titles for those two years.

Ahead of the 2023 season, Beck was named as Georgia's starting quarterback.

Nick Saban and Carson Beck met as rivals in 2023 SEC Championship game

Former Alabama HC Nick Saban (Image Credits - IMAGN)

Beck led Georgia to a 12-1 record in the regular season as a starter. However, the Bulldogs were eliminated from reaching the College Football Playoff after losing to Nick Saban's Alabama in the 2023 SEC Championship game.

By winning the SEC title game, Alabama reached the College Football Playoff. However, Saban's final game as the Tide coach was a 27-20 defeat against eventual national champions Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

While Saban has retired from coaching, Beck will return to Georgia for the 2024 season to lead the team's offense.