After more than five decades on the sidelines and 17 seasons leading Alabama to championship glory, Nick Saban is finally opening up about life after football โ and he admits, retirement hasnโt been easy.
In a candid conversation with SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum, the 72-year-old coaching legend got real about stepping away from the game he loves, adjusting to life off the field, and โ in classic Saban fashion โ taking orders from someone else: his wife, Ms. Terry Saban.
โI didnโt want to retire from working,โ Saban said. โBut Ms. Terry had a different idea. She handed me a list โ she calls it the ’10 Commandments of Retirement’ โ and letโs just say Iโm learning to follow new rules now.โ
๐ From Whistles to Honey-Do Lists
Saban stepped down in January 2024 after a Hall of Fame career that included 7 national titles, 11 SEC championships, and the development of dozens of NFL stars. Though the decision shocked many, Saban says the choice was more about respecting the programโs long-term future than about personal burnout.
โI wasnโt tired of coaching. I was tired of what coaching was turning into,โ he said, referencing the changing NIL and transfer portal environment. โBut I do miss the structure โ the schedule, the focus, the grind.โ
Now, heโs traded in game film for grocery lists, yard work, and the occasional errand run.
โSheโs got me organizing closets, fixing cabinet handles, and planning family vacations. I thought I ran a tight ship at Bama โ turns out, Ms. Terry runs a tighter one at home.โ
๐ Ms. Terryโs โ10 Commandments of Retirementโ (As Nick Tells It)
Saban jokingly shared a few of the now-viral rules Ms. Terry handed him post-retirement:
- Thou shalt not micromanage the TV remote.
- Thou shalt not critique dinner like itโs game film.
- Thou shalt remember birthdays without reminders.
- Thou shalt take grandkids to school at least once a week.
- Thou shalt not rearrange the spice rack. Again.
โI had a system! But apparently, the cinnamon didnโt belong next to the red pepper flakes,โ Saban laughed.
๐ Still In the Game โ Just From a Different Angle
While officially retired from coaching, Saban has remained active as an analyst with ESPN, a mentor to younger coaches, and a quiet presence around Tuscaloosa. Sources say heโs still in regular contact with Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, occasionally offering insight behind the scenes โ though Saban is quick to say heโs not meddling.
โCoach DeBoer doesnโt need my help โ but if he ever wants a second set of eyes, Iโm here.โ
๐ฌ On Legacy, Faith, and Family
Saban also reflected on what matters most moving forward:
โI poured everything into football. Now, Iโm pouring into faith, family, and doing things that matter off the field. I just hope I left things better than I found them.โ
He closed the interview with one final grin:
โBut Iโll tell you this โ Iโd rather prepare for LSU than hang another light fixture. Thatโs a fact.โ
๐ Final Word
Nick Sabanโs transition from legendary coach to full-time husband, grandpa, and “commandment-follower” may not come with national titles โ but itโs a new chapter filled with humility, humor, and heart. And whether he’s drawing up plays or painting the guest room, the GOAT is still setting the standard.
