Has Nick Saban’s relationship with former players changed since retiring?

Nick Saban represented many different roles for hundreds of players during his time as the head coach at Alabama.

To some, he is a father figure, teacher, judge, jury and executioner, aside from coach.

But has his relationship changed with some of his former players since he stepped away from the game in January?

Saban answered that question when speaking with the media during his annual charity golf outing at the Old Overton Club in support of the Nick’s Kids Foundation.

“I don’t think the relationship change because you’re not the coach,” Saban said according to Tide Illustrated. “Tua (Tagovailoa) and Mark (Ingram) are here, and some of our players that are still playing on our team. So that hasn’t changed. How it changes in the future will be something I can’t predict.”

Despite the viral butt chewings and thunderous sound clips, Saban has consistently received praise from his former players. Especially from the 100-plus players that were selected in the NFL Draft during his 17 years with the Crimson Tide.