Nick Saban on 'other side' as SEC Media Days kick off

Field Level Media|published: 07/15/2024, 10:27am EDT

Jul 11, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban and his wife Terry Saban arrive on the red carpet before the 2024 ESPYS at Dolby Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Arguably the most recognizable face around college football was sent back to his room for his media credential prior to the start of SEC Media Days in Dallas on Monday.

Retired Alabama head coach Nick Saban, a member of ESPN's broadcast team on-site for the start of the event, said he's still adjusting to being on the "other side" before LSU coach Brian Kelly took the stage as the first coach in the interview hot seat.

"It's a little different. I've never worn a credential in my life. I was always, for 17 years, able to get into SEC Media Days without a credential," Saban, 72, said. "I had to go back to the room today to get my credential to get in. That's one of the biggest changes I see -- it's not like it used to be."

Saban said he understood why he was being asked for the press pass and described the official asking for his credential as "very polite."

The seven-time national championship coach retired in January after 17 seasons at Alabama. The Crimson Tide hired Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer, who was 25-3 in two seasons with the Huskies.

DeBoer takes the podium on Wednesday morning in Dallas.

--Field Level Media