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Op-Ed: Coach Prime shocked over Nick Saban retiring, but it's part of a new wave in College Football
Anybody out there shocked 72-year-old Nick Sabin walked away from being Alabama’s football coach after 17 seasons and seven national titles?
Your scribe was not, but Colorado’s Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders seems to have been caught off guard, “College football just lost the GOAT. Wow! I knew it would happen one day but not this soon,” Sanders said on social media. “The game has changed so much that it chased the GOAT away. College football, let’s hold up our mirrors and say HONESTLY what you see.”
What most see these days is an industry recklessly careening toward an unknown future where the equity gap continues to advance toward a chasm. That topic has been explored more than once in this space. In this week’s rambling, this ol’ sports guy would prefer to focus on Sanders’ statement about being surprised by Saban’s departure.
The unexpected announcement took me back to 1994. The Colorado Buffaloes were wrapping up a successful regular season with a convincing win over visiting Iowa State. All the post-game hype centered on running back Rashaan Salaam surpassing 2,000 yards rushing and wonderfully augmenting his Heisman Trophy resume. The beloved guy who left us far too soon would win the Heisman that season. The only Buff so honored as college football’s best player. Personal emotions are really jumbled between remembering a great player who grew into dear friend but struggled with life after being Chicago’s #1 pick in the 1995 NFL draft. Loved that dude.
The Buffs had smacked the Cyclones around Folsom Field, Salaam had surpassed 2,000 yards, his offensive line was saluted and everyone was in a great mood. Then head coach Bill McCartney dropped a bomb shell right after the game. The gathered media was hanging out as usual before entering the locker room when Hall of Fame sports information director Dave Plati pronounces, “Get in the press room. Coach Mac has an announcement to make.”
Okay, The Buffs were 10-1, the only blemish a loss at Nebraska, heading to the Fiesta Bowl and sending tons of players to the NFL. Much to celebrate. However, Plati’s tone and body language oozed, this was BIG.
Coach Mac announced he was resigning. In 13 seasons at the foot of the Flatirons the former Michigan defensive coordinator, along with an excellent staff of coaches and support folks, built one of the nation’s elite football programs. It had nothing to do with NIL money, transfer options and extra years of eligibility. It was a program built the ol’ fashioned way of good recruiting, development and a collective quest to be the best. As the “Buff Guy” for KCNC-TV, now known as CBS News Colorado, it was a real treat to have a front-row seat.
McCartney’s walking away at 54 years old? Billy Mac from Hackensack was driving a Lamborghini with payments, registration and insurance not an issue. Why in the world does somebody walk away from that? To say McCartney’s unexpected resignation was shocking is an understatement. Took thunder away from Salaam’s big day and left Buffs fans shaking heads in disbelief.
McCartney walked away to care for his family realizing it deserved more from its husband and father. I’m doubly blessed the McCartney family allows me to spend time with a cherished mentor while the 83-year-old fights the good fight against Alzheimer’s.
We’ve talked about this often. What are our priorities in life? The Hall of Fame football coach will be the first to say his priorities were misaligned. I’ve written about this before but the wives of college football coaches? They’re superstars given how much time their spouses spend at work.
Who knows exactly why Saban is stepping aside. More time with family? Escape from the craziness of today’s college football? Probably, “yes” and “yes.” This much I do know, Mac was called to something different. Football became third behind family and faith and sparked the creation of Promise Keepers.
Coach Prime was shocked Saban walked away. Buff nation was shocked when McCartney did the same. Memorable moments. I think of Sanders’ call for college football to get real and honest? Please! However, your skeptical scribe would be shocked if it happens.