In the world of college football, Nick Saban’s sudden retirement announcement sent shockwaves, leaving many programs in a state of uncertainty. However, one individual who harbored doubts about Saban’s retirement plans was none other than his athletic director.
Greg Byrne revealed that he was not entirely convinced of Saban’s decision until he heard the words directly from the legendary coach himself.
“I felt he was going to step down, going into the meeting. But, you know, hoping that he wouldn’t. Until I actually heard it, I didn’t want to really believe it, right?,” admitted the Alabama athletic director during an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show.
Byrne continued, “I think really, as he wrestled with that decision, until the words came out of his mouth, I don’t know if anybody was quite sure about it. So it was a very difficult decision for him, understandably.”
While Byrne had harbored his own doubts about Saban’s retirement, he emphasized that the decision, while surprising, didn’t come as a complete shock.
“He stayed focused on what the task was at hand. But at the same time, too, and I said this publicly, he didn’t surprise me because he had been communicating with me, which I truly appreciate,” shared the athletic director.
Saban’s open communication with Byrne allowed the university to make swift preparations for the transition. The Alabama Crimson Tide acted promptly, securing the services of former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer as Saban’s successor.
As the tide turns towards the next chapter in Alabama’s football program, the college football world eagerly anticipates the impact of this coaching change and the legacy that Saban leaves behind.