When Nick Saban stepped into Lee Corso's shoes on College GameDay, many wondered if the seven-time national champion could ever match the beloved energy of his predecessor. But according to Kirk Herbstreit, Saban has not only embraced the role—he's actively trying to master it, in a way that surprises even those who've known him for decades.
During a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Herbstreit opened up about what it's really like working alongside the legendary coach. And the picture he painted is far from the stoic, no-nonsense figure fans remember from the sidelines.
From Sideline General to Studio Student
Herbstreit, who has known Saban since his days at Michigan State nearly 25 years ago, described a side of the coach that few get to see. After every segment, Saban turns to him with a simple question: “Was that okay?”
“He wants to be coached like he’s a player,” Herbstreit said. “He’s like, ‘Don’t just tell me what I want to hear. I want to get better at this.’”
That hunger for improvement, Herbstreit noted, is genuine. Saban isn't just coasting on his reputation. He's studying the craft of television, eager to understand the nuances of live broadcasting and how to connect with viewers.
A Surprising Openness to Feedback
For a coach who was famously demanding and intolerant of mistakes during his tenure at Alabama and in the NFL, this willingness to accept criticism marks a significant shift. Saban's openness has surprised many on the set, including Herbstreit himself.
“He really has an appreciation for not just being ‘I’m Nick Saban, and that’s enough,’” Herbstreit explained. “But really understanding studio television, and ‘How can I be better?’”
This humility extends beyond the green room. Saban has also shown a lighter side, smiling and joking with the GameDay cast in ways that would have seemed unthinkable during his coaching days. It's not an act, Herbstreit insists—it's a genuine enjoyment of his new role.
More Than a TV Gimmick
Saban's transition to television has been so seamless that some speculated it might be a stepping stone back to coaching. But Herbstreit believes the former coach is fully committed to his new career. “He doesn’t have to do that, right? I mean, he’s Nick Saban. He can just be Nick Saban. But he wants to really try to study the craft and get good at it.”
That dedication has already paid off. Saban's analysis has earned praise from fans and fellow analysts alike, and he's become a fixture on Saturday mornings. For Herbstreit, working with Saban has been a revelation—and a reminder that even the greatest can still learn.
In a world where former coaches often coast on past glories, Saban's approach stands out. He's not content to simply show up and collect a paycheck. He wants to be the best, whether he's on the sidelines or behind a desk.
As for the future, Herbstreit sees only growth. “He’s cool with it,” he said of Saban's willingness to be corrected. “This is the greatest thing about Nick Saban.”
For more on Saban's take on the NFL draft, check out his blunt assessment of the Cowboys' first-round pick. And for a deeper dive into Herbstreit's thoughts on coaching culture, read his frustration with youth sports parents.
