Former USC RB Reggie Bush fires playful shots at Nick Saban after 10x SEC champion's retirement: "NIL drove him away"

Nick Saban's sudden decision to retire from his coaching career was certainly a shock for everyone. The 72-year-old led the Crimson Tide to a CFP playoff berth and an SEC Championship in his 17th season with them.

Despite the rumors that were circulating around the possibility of him calling it quits, fans believed that Saban would return to lead the Crimson Tide in 2024.

But on Wednesday, despite going about his regular activities and work, Saban called a team meeting and announced to his players that it is time for him to move on.

During an interview with Rece Davis on Thursday, the 72-year-old pointed out the various factors that led to him deciding on his retirement. He cited his age and the ability to handle stress as part of the reasons that led to his retirement.

However, former NFL RB Reggie Bush had a different idea of why the coach hung up his whistle.

In an Instagram post by ESPN which explained Nick Saban's reasoning, Reggie Bush fired shots at the 72-year-old. He stated that the changing landscape of the NIL scenario and Saban's inability to have control over five-star athletes were the reasons for his retirement.

"NIL ran him away, he has no more control over 5 star recruits. The playing field is level and he can't handle that."

The NIL scenario has certainly changed over time with college athletes now earning millions through various endorsements and sponsorships. And this does affect the recruiting process as players now look at teams that will have the best overall benefit for them.

Nick Saban has made comments in the past against this whole NIL scenario, talking about how he wished to see more structure in the process.

However, he was never against players making money. He was also a part of an SEC contingent back in June that made its way to Washington to lobby for federal assistance in regulating NIL.

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Did Reggie Bush face Nick Saban during his college career?

Saban took over as the head coach of the Crimson Tide back in 2007. Reggie Bush played college football for USC from 2003 to 2005.

So, the former RB never got a chance to face the 72-year-old's Alabama on the gridiron. Nick Saban also served as the head coach of LSU from 2000 to 2004. But even then, USC never had a game scheduled with the Tigers during Reggie Bush's college career.