ESPN’s announcement of its 2024 NFL Draft coverage has generated excitement among football fans, especially with the inclusion of former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban in the lineup.
The 72-year-old is set to make his on-air debut for ESPN during ABC’s coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft. His addition is expected to elevate the network’s coverage and analysis to new heights. During the first two days of the NFL Draft, Saban will join a stellar lineup of analysts, including Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Field Yates, Laura Rutledge, and Pete Thamel on ABC.
Coverage will kick off on April 25 at 8 p.m. ET and continue on April 26 at 7 p.m. ET. ESPN and ABC will offer fans two broadcast options each night, allowing viewers to choose their preferred viewing experience.
Meanwhile, ex-Crimson Tide HC’s foray into ESPN’s coverage doesn’t stop at the NFL Draft. Previous reports indicate that he will also be a prominent analyst on ‘College GameDay,’ sharing his immense football insight with viewers during ESPN’s acclaimed weekly college football roadshow.
His transition to ESPN follows his retirement from coaching, marking the end of a remarkable Alabama coaching career. The Crimson Tide has since announced Kalen DeBoer as his successor, while Saban gears up for his new role as a key figure for ESPN.
Nick Saban’s Alabama coaching career highlights
Since taking the helm of the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2017, Nick Saban orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, transforming the program into a perennial powerhouse on the college football stage. Following his retirement after the 2023 season, he has left behind a legacy of unparalleled success and dominance.
During his tenure spanning 17 seasons, Saban guided Alabama to an astonishing 201 wins. The feat ties him for the second-most victories in SEC history at a single school. From 2008 until his retirement, his teams consistently ranked among the nation’s elite, spending part or all of each season ranked in the top 4 in national polls.
Under his leadership, Alabama captured nine SEC titles and clinched six national championships, as per Britannica. Additionally, he stands alone as the only coach since 1936 to secure national championships with two different FBS programs.
As Nick Saban has changed the goal of his life, his legacy as the architect of Alabama’s dynasty will be remembered and revered for generations to come.
