IN PHOTO: Former Alabama HC Nick Saban rocks purple tie as he makes first appearance as analyst during 2024 SEC Media Days
Former Alabama coach Nick Saban attended the 2024 SEC Media Days as an analyst on Monday. This is his first time covering Media Days as a part of the SEC Network/ESPN team.
Sports columnist Jenni Carlson confirmed his attendance and posted a picture of Saban on her X account. Saban was spotted rocking a gray suit with a purple tie.
“Nick Saban in the house at SEC football media days,” the post read.
Since Saban is now a member of the ESPN and SEC Network teams, he had to carry his credentials to get into SEC Media Days. However, Saban forgot his credential and had to go back to his room to get it.
On Monday morning, Saban joked about it on an episode of "Get Up." He said this was the biggest change he saw:
“It’s a little different. I’ve never worn a credential in my life. Was always, for 17 years, able to get into SEC Media Day without a credential. I had to go back to the room today to get my credential to get in. So, that’s one of the biggest changes I see. It’s not like it used to be.”
Saban also mentioned that the staff was polite in denying him entry to the SEC Media Days being held at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, Texas. The seven-time national champion coach had to return to his room and get his credentials.
In February, Saban joined ESPN right after he had retired after coaching for 50 years. Saban will also be on the "College GameDay" desk this season.
Greg Sankey teased Nick Saban over credential mishap
Nick Saban’s transition into this role as an ESPN analyst included a humorous moment when he was denied access due to not having his credential.
Saban’s return to his room led to a playful remark from SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. During his opening statement, Sankey joked that Saban deserved a “media hustle award” for the credential mishap.
Sankey also joked about the incident in his opening statement and said that they teach quick lessons in media protocols:
"The third would go to Nick Saban, who apparently was denied access because he didn’t have his credential this morning and had to go back to his room. We teach those lessons quickly."
As teams gather in Dallas, the SEC is now in the spotlight following the Big 12's media coverage in Las Vegas last week. The SEC Network has revealed its comprehensive coverage plans, headlined by Nick Saban.
Joining Saban are other prominent analysts, including Jordan Rodgers, Greg McElroy, Roman Harper, Chris Doering, Benjamin Watson, Cole Cubelic, Sam Acho and Dusty Dvoracek.