Former Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Nick Saban. Gary CosbyJr.-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Saban names one big difference of attending SEC Media Days now

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Jul 15, 2024 10:37 AM ET

Nick Saban attended SEC Media Days on Monday for the 17th consecutive year, but he did not receive the same type of red carpet treatment he has gotten in the past.

Saban is covering SEC Media Days this year as a member of the media with ESPN. While appearing on “Get Up” Monday morning, the former Alabama and LSU coach shared the one significant difference he felt being at SEC Media Days as a member of the press rather than a coach.

“Well, it’s a little different. I’ve never worn a credential in my life and was always for 17 years able to get into SEC Media Days without a credential,” Saban said. “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 that’s not like it used to be.”

Nick Saban on the difference of attending SEC Media Days as Alabama's head coach and as a member of the media: "It's a little different. I've never worn a credential in my life and was always for 17 years able to get into SEC Media Day without a credential. I had to go back to… pic.twitter.com/hvHwdfAsIU

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 15, 2024

Saban is no less recognizable now than when he was the leader of the Crimson Tide, but it is likely policy that all members of the media must have a credential. That even applies to coaches who have won seven national championships.

In addition to his gig with ESPN, Saban is still being paid a handsome sum for a role he has with Alabama. We’re guessing he won’t need to show any badges to get into the facilities at Tuscaloosa.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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