Nick Saban retirement: Greg Sankey issues statement, makes comparison to coaching legend
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Nick Saban retired on Wednesday and the entire sports world has taken notice. Many have offered statements about the coach, including SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.
“The contributions Nick Saban has made throughout his career in college football form a legacy without comparison,” Sankey said via social media. “His focus on excellence, support for the young men on his teams, career opportunities provided to coaches and championship moments have been achieved through consistency, dedication and care.
“I have been privileged to work with Nick and wish the best to the entire Saban family.”
SEC Commissioner @GregSankey on the retirement of legendary college football coach Nick Saban: pic.twitter.com/3bnDsHHj0F
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) January 11, 2024
Sankey also compared Saban to the legendary UCLA coach John Wooden.
“I think you probably have to go back to like John Wooden to find somebody in college sports who has performed at that level over that period of time. I think that’s a fair comparison.”
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey on Nick Saban: “I think you probably have to go back to like John Wooden to find somebody in college sports who has performed at that level over that period of time. I think that’s a fair comparison.”
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) January 11, 2024
Wooden won 10 championships in college basketball with the UCLA Bruins and is considered one of the greatest coaches of all time in any sport. Saban won seven championships in total, with six of those taking place at Alabama.
Sankey has been the SEC commissioner since 2015. Since then, the Tide have won three championships under Saban.
How did Alabama land Nick Saban back in 2007? Check out Saturday Down South’s amazing “38 Days” feature on how the Tide pulled off the heist that changed college football forever.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
