Deion Sanders reacts to news of Nick Saban's retirement

Coach Prime shared his thoughts on his friend’s decision

The college football world was stunned Wednesday when news broke of Alabama head coach Nick Saban retiring. As first reported by ESPN Senior Writer Chris Low, the 72-year-old long-time coach decided to step down after 17 seasons and six national titles with the Crimson Tide.

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders was among those shocked by the news. “WOW! College Football just lost the GOAT to retirement.” Sanders posted on ‘X’ (formerly twitter). “Wow! I knew it would happen 1 day but not this soon. The game has change so much that it chased the GOAT away. College football let’s hold up our mirrors and say HONESTLY what u see.”

Sanders has credited Saban for being a friend and a mentor over the years. They’ve even starred in a handful of Aflac insurance commercials. “He is the grand marshal. He is the magna cum laude to me.” Sanders said of Saban in an interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks last fall. “I respect him so darn much.”

Likewise, Saban has been very outspoken not only of Sanders’ ability to draw attention to CU, but his ability to coach. “First, he’s a great person and he’s done a great job of marketing the program to create a lot of national interest.” Saban said of Sanders three games into the 2023 season. “He’s always been successful whether it was Jackson State, high school or now in Colorado. His teams have always been well coached.”

Kind words from a man whose coaching resume is off the charts. Saban began his career as a graduate assistant at Kent State in 1973-’74. His first head coaching role came in 1990 when he led the Toledo Rockets to a 9-2 record. After four seasons as the defensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns and another four as Michigan State’s head man, Saban landed at LSU. In 2003, he led the Tigers to a 13-1 record and the school’s second national title. 

Following that title run, he abruptly left Baton Rouge for a head coaching stint in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. After leading Miami to a 6-10 record in 2006, his only losing season as a head coach, Saban accepted the Alabama head coach position in 2007.