Nick Saban ’s post-coaching chapter is off to a glittering start. The former Alabama football mastermind, who spent over a decade building one of the most dominant dynasties in college football history, has now secured a prestigious Sports Emmy Award. On Tuesday, Saban was honored in the Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent category for his work on ESPN ’s College GameDay — a surprising, yet fitting addition to his already decorated legacy.
Nick Saban takes home Sports Emmy for ‘Outstanding Emerging On-Air Talent’ after College GameDay success
Stepping away from the sidelines after the 2023 season, Nick Saban quickly found a new calling in broadcasting. Joining College GameDay at the start of the 2024 campaign, he brought not just his strategic mind, but also a refreshing dose of humor and humility to the desk. Within a single season, he proved that his ability to lead and inspire wasn’t confined to the football field.
“I still view this from a coach's perspective,” Saban told CBS Sports ahead of his debut. “I just happen to not have a team... I want to ask coaches questions so that they can actually talk about the things they want to talk about. I'm not trying to put anybody on the defensive. I'm trying to help them express what they'd like to express.”
Saban’s insightful presence, grounded in experience and marked by authenticity, resonated deeply with viewers. And while he was up against a tough lineup of nominees — including former NFL stars Jason Kelce, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Richard Sherman, and former Villanova basketball coach Jay Wright — the seven-time national champion once again found himself on top.
Even Saban didn’t seem to take the nomination too seriously at first. Before the Nick's Kids Golf Tournament in Vestavia Hills on May 20, he joked, “It must have not been a good year for people in the Emmys.” But behind the modesty was a man embracing a new challenge with the same dedication that earned him 292 career wins and seven national titles.
Reflecting on the experience, Saban credited those around him. “It was a new experience,” he said. “A lot of people helped contribute to learning how to do it. I certainly appreciate them and thank them for that. We had a really good team of people who has lots of experience, I think, helped me fit in the program and hopefully we created value of some sort."
Now an inductee for the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame, Saban has found a way to remain relevant in the sport he helped shape. From the gridiron to the studio, he continues to evolve, entertain, and educate — proving that even in retirement, champions don’t stop winning.
Also Read: ESPN drops strong message to Aaron Rodgers, hints at what could happen in the coming months
Nick Saban takes home Sports Emmy for ‘Outstanding Emerging On-Air Talent’ after College GameDay success
Stepping away from the sidelines after the 2023 season, Nick Saban quickly found a new calling in broadcasting. Joining College GameDay at the start of the 2024 campaign, he brought not just his strategic mind, but also a refreshing dose of humor and humility to the desk. Within a single season, he proved that his ability to lead and inspire wasn’t confined to the football field.
The #SportsEmmys Award for Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent goes to Nick Saban (@espn). pic.twitter.com/a33tbQSpdT
— The Emmys (@TheEmmys) May 21, 2025
“I still view this from a coach's perspective,” Saban told CBS Sports ahead of his debut. “I just happen to not have a team... I want to ask coaches questions so that they can actually talk about the things they want to talk about. I'm not trying to put anybody on the defensive. I'm trying to help them express what they'd like to express.”
Saban’s insightful presence, grounded in experience and marked by authenticity, resonated deeply with viewers. And while he was up against a tough lineup of nominees — including former NFL stars Jason Kelce, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Richard Sherman, and former Villanova basketball coach Jay Wright — the seven-time national champion once again found himself on top.
Congratulations to ESPN's Nick Saban on his 2025 #SportsEmmys win for 'Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent'
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) May 21, 2025
This is Saban’s first Sports Emmy Award win & ESPN's 2nd win in this category pic.twitter.com/VpgWMHAujh
Even Saban didn’t seem to take the nomination too seriously at first. Before the Nick's Kids Golf Tournament in Vestavia Hills on May 20, he joked, “It must have not been a good year for people in the Emmys.” But behind the modesty was a man embracing a new challenge with the same dedication that earned him 292 career wins and seven national titles.
Reflecting on the experience, Saban credited those around him. “It was a new experience,” he said. “A lot of people helped contribute to learning how to do it. I certainly appreciate them and thank them for that. We had a really good team of people who has lots of experience, I think, helped me fit in the program and hopefully we created value of some sort."
Now an inductee for the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame, Saban has found a way to remain relevant in the sport he helped shape. From the gridiron to the studio, he continues to evolve, entertain, and educate — proving that even in retirement, champions don’t stop winning.
Also Read: ESPN drops strong message to Aaron Rodgers, hints at what could happen in the coming months
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