Nick Saban is a few weeks into his new role as analyst with ESPN’s College GameDay, so he’s no longer a stranger to his colleagues.
And CGD host Rece Davis really likes what he’s seen so far.
Saban’s reputation preceded him to the show. He won 297 games and seven national titles in 28 years as a college football head coach before retiring after last season. Yet Davis told The Paul Finebaum Show that the 72-year-old Saban doesn’t flaunt his experience or past success while on the set, or behind the scenes.
“He’s all in. Constantly learning, always wanting to be great and be perfect,” Davis said. “And not one time has he come across in such a way that he’s like, ‘Hey, look at my seven championship rings and everybody listen to me.’
“He would certainly have the résumé to do so and the credentials to do so if he wanted to, but he hasn’t approached it that way.”
.@ReceDavis dishes on what it’s like to work with Nick Saban on @CollegeGameDay : pic.twitter.com/BMZmPCvNwP
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) September 24, 2024
Saban has earned widespread praise for his work thus far, and he’s quickly developed chemistry with his colleagues, including Pat McAfee. He’s learned to embrace the sometimes whacky nature of the show.
College GameDay in College Station finishes up with…
* A shirtless Pat McAfee
* Guest picker Johnny Manziel
* Lee Corso dressed — and dancing — as a leprechaun
* Nick Saban (hugged by shirtless McAfee): “I’ve never been to anything like this. This is so much fun.” 🏈📺🎙️ pic.twitter.com/DjKmYO4XwP— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 31, 2024
But Saban knows how to keep things grounded with analysis, as when he recently talked about Deion Sanders’ coaching career.
“He’s been great, and everybody’s had a blast working with him,” Davis told Finebaum.
Things could get interesting Saturday, when College GameDay visits Tuscaloosa, where Saban is a mythical figure, ahead of the showdown between SEC rivals Alabama and Georgia.
[The Spun]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.