Alabama AD Explains How Nick Saban Will Be Involved With Program Moving Forward

Saban will no longer lead the football program, but he’ll still be very involved in the athletic department.

Nick Saban retired from his position as Alabama’s head football coach last week, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be involved in the school’s athletic department moving forward.

New Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer stated in his introductory press conference that Saban would have “100% access” to the program, but it was unclear what role the former Alabama coach would serve moving forward at the school. Athletic director Greg Byrne cleared that up on The Paul Finebaum Show on Wednesday.

“He is going to be an advisor for us,” Byrne told Finebaum. “He’s been awesome. He and I talked during the coaching search.”

“I mean, somebody asked me, ‘Was he involved?’ I was like, ‘Man, I’m not very smart.’ Many people know that, but I’m smart enough to know when you have a chance to have Nick Saban involved with talking about coaching and football and decision-making and leadership, shame on me if I don’t take advantage of that,” he added.

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne says former coach Nick Saban will continue to be involved with the football program :: Gary Cosby Jr./USA TODAY Sports

Saban not only assisted Byrne in the hiring of DeBoer, but has also taken an active role in speaking with recruits about Alabama’s new coach and why the program is still the right fit for them moving forward.

“He’s been very helpful trying to talk to the young men that he’s recruited here and just again say we’re in a really good spot going forward, and he’ll continue to be here and be part of our program, and we’re very happy for that,” Byrne explained.

Saban may no longer be on the sideline, but his presence over the Alabama football program and broader athletic department will continue to loom large.