In a move that has been expected, ESPN announced Wednesday it has hired former University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban as an analyst. According to a release, Saban will primarily work on the set of College GameDay. He will also contribute to coverage of the NFL Draft and SEC Media Days.
Saban will join host Rece Davis, analysts Lee Corson, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee and the rest of the GameDay crew, which celebrated the show’s 30th season on the road in 2023.
“ESPN and College GameDay have played such an important role in the growth of college football, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to join their team,” said Saban. “I’ll do my best to offer additional insights and perspectives to contribute to College GameDay, the ultimate Saturday tradition for college football fans.”
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said: “Nick Saban is a singular, iconic presence in college football. He is also an extremely gifted communicator, who will immediately add even more credibility, authority and entertainment value to ESPN, including our esteemed College GameDay show.”
This past season was College GameDay’s second most-watched season since 2011 and fourth-best all time.
