Could Nick Saban consider politics? His answer was clear

Since retiring from football coaching, Nick Saban has made his presence felt on Capitol Hill. Between lobbying for legislation and participating in White House roundtables regarding college sports, the coaching legend has kept a busy schedule. However, for those wondering if a political run is next, Saban has a clear message: don't count on it.

No Interest in the 'Briar Patch'

Speaking in Birmingham on Monday ahead of the Nick Saban Legacy Awards ceremony—where he honored legends like Mack Brown and Lou Holtz—Saban was asked if he would ever consider running for office. His response was emphatic.

“Why would I ever want to be thrown into that briar patch?” Saban asked. He expressed deep satisfaction with his current role as an analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay, citing the benefits of his current work environment. “I like what I’m doing now. I speak to businesses. I love being on ESPN, got a great group of guys to be around every Saturday. There’s no consequence. We never lose a game. So, I mean, why would I get involved in that now?”

A History of Write-in Support

Despite his reluctance to campaign, Saban has long been a popular write-in candidate among voters. In the 2017 Senate race that saw Doug Jones elected, Saban garnered at least 264 write-in votes. His name has also appeared on ballots for Alabama SGA president, where he received seven votes in 2014 and six in 2015.

Advocating for College Sports

Saban’s involvement in politics is strictly limited to policy advocacy, specifically regarding the future of college athletics. He remains a vocal supporter of the Save College Sports Act, which he believes addresses roughly 80% of current industry issues. While the Senate went to its summer recess without bringing the bill to a floor vote, the legislation is not yet dead.

Saban remains concerned about the long-term sustainability of the collegiate model. “Right now, are we going to be able to sustain and protect Olympic and women’s sports if we continue down this road spending like we’re spending in football and basketball?” he asked. “I think a lot of people are struggling with that, and I think that there’s going to be some really bad consequences in the future.”

Though he is a childhood friend of former United States Senator Joe Manchin, Saban seems perfectly content leaving the legislative heavy lifting to others while he continues his transition to media life.