Nick Saban opens up on post-coaching friendship with Bill Belichick

It’s been more than 30 years since Nick Saban and Bill Belichick first worked together. That was with the Cleveland Browns when Saban served as Belichick’s defensive coordinator, and the rest is history. as they went on to become two of the greatest football coaches of all time.

But they not only became colleagues back then. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship – one that’s continuing as Saban and Belichick enter their next chapters.

Saban concluded his 50-year coaching career in January when he retired as Alabama head coach after 15 years and six national titles. Belichick, meanwhile, parted ways with the New England Patriots after leading the franchise through a historic run with six Super Bowl victories in his 23 seasons.

Now, both Saban and Belichick are venturing into the media space with ESPN – Saban on College GameDay, Belichick on The Pat McAfee Show during the 2024 NFL Draft. Even though they’re not on the sidelines anymore, Saban said it won’t change the bond between the two.

“We’re friends,” Saban said ahead of the Irondale Prayer Breakfast. “The friendship wasn’t based on us being coaches, so that hasn’t changed. We communicated on the phone [during the draft] because there were 275,000 people there, so it wasn’t like you just go around talking to people.”

Saban, 72, pretty much closed the door on returning to college coaching as he settles in to his new role on TV. He’ll still be working Saturdays with the GameDay crew and got off to a strong start during the draft. Other days, he’ll either be preparing for shows or spending time on the golf course – after he completes his chores, of course.

But Belichick, also 72, didn’t seem ready to walk away from the sidelines entirely after leaving New England. He interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons head coach opening that ultimately went to Raheem Morris. Without other suitors, he’ll jump in front of the cameras with McAfee and is reportedly nearing a deal with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions. In fact, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, one possibility is a “GOAT Cast” with Saban.

If Belichick wants to get back into coaching, though, Saban said he wants his dear friend to at least have a chance to do so.

“Bill has had a great career and he’s done a great job,” Saban said. “Hopefully, if he wants to continue coaching, he’ll get the opportunity to be able to do that.”