Nick Saban has made it clear that he plans to be around the Alabama football program as a retired coach. Alabama AD Greg Byrne offered some insight into Saban’s involvement with UA athletics during a Wednesday interview with Paul Finebaum.

“He is going to be an advisor for us,” Byrne said of Saban on The Paul Finebaum Show. “He’s been awesome. He and I talked during the coaching search. I mean, somebody asked me, ‘Was he involved?’ I was like, ‘Man, I’m not very smart.’ Many people know that, but I’m smart enough to know when you have a chance to have Nick Saban involved with talking about coaching and football and decision-making and leadership, shame on me if I don’t take advantage of that.

“He and I talked this morning. He’s been very helpful trying to talk to the young men that he’s recruited here and just again say we’re in a really good spot going forward, and he’ll continue to be here and be part of our program. And we’re very happy for that.”

Saban’s office at the Mal M. Moore athletic facility was cleaned out shortly after he announced his retirement. In an ESPN interview last week, Saban said he will have an office in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

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Kalen DeBoer is also encouraging Saban to be around the Alabama football team. In his introductory press conference, DeBoer said Saban would have “100% access to everything.” The new Alabama head coach added that if Saban stops to observe practice, he’ll ask for feedback on where the team can improve.