“It was just a way of life”: 7x champ Nick Saban reflects on hectic lifestyle during 17-year-long tenure at Alabama

Nick Saban is feeling the change in his lifestyle after retiring. The college football legend coached the Alabama Crimson Tide for 17 years, and it’s reasonable to assume that it took a toll.

In an interview on "The Next Round" podcast, Saban shared insights into the fast-paced lifestyle during his coaching career, which spanned over five decades.

“What I realized is for 50 years, I didn't even know I was in a hurry. It was just a way of life. So that has been a little different,” Saban said.

The relentless drive that fueled his success, culminating in seven national championships, is now a thing of the past. The former Alabama coach is adjusting to a slower pace. While Saban acknowledged that he still wants to make his presence felt and contribute, he’ll prefer doing it on his own.

Saban announced his retirement in January 2024, following a loss to Michigan in the College Football Playoff semifinals. His dissatisfaction with the changing dynamics of college football, particularly players' emphasis on transfers and NIL deals, played a significant role in his departure.

Nick Saban not leaving Alabama just yet

For the Alabama faithful, it's good news that Nick Saban won’t be leaving Tuscaloosa anytime soon. In an interview with ESPN, Saban said that he'll be sticking around. He mentioned that he’ll even have his own office at the stadium.

“I'm going to have a presence. I’m going to stay in Tuscaloosa. They’re giving me an office in the stadium. I said, ‘I can get on your butt from there just like I can from on the field,’” Saban said.

He and his wife, Terry, are deeply involved in the community through their nonprofit organization, which focuses on creating a better future for local children. One of their key projects, "The Saban Center," is dedicated to teaching kids essential life skills outside the classroom.

The couple also sponsors the "Lank House" project for every Alabama championship victory, in which they build a Habitat for Humanity home for the Tuscaloosa community.

Nick Saban may have retired from coaching, but he’s far from slowing down.