Nick Saban clarifies the role of NIL in his retirement decision

In the two months since his retirement from Alabama, famed former coach Nick Saban has expressed his dissatisfaction with the new game of college football.

For example, on March 6, Saban decried the influence of player earnings and the transfer portal on the Crimson Tide’s customary offseason procedures.

“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 informed ESPN’s Chris Low.

In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier on Thursday, Saban disputed that the arrival of NIL rights was the precise cause for his retirement.

“I just never wanted to see the program go down, and I felt whether it was recruiting or hiring coaches and people wanting to know how long you’re going to be there,” Saban stated when asked why he chose to leave. “When you get to 72 years old, it gets harder and harder to promise people you’re gonna be there for four or five more years.”

Alabama went 12-2, won the SEC championship, and advanced to the College Football Playoff, where they were defeated 27-20 in overtime by Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

“I enjoyed coaching. We adjusted well to the system. “Alabama was one of the ‘haves’ in this new, current system, even though I see some serious issues with it going forward,” Saban added.