Even in retirement, Nick Saban’s shadow still looms large over Alabama football — but recent comments from top SEC analysts are bringing clarity to his actual role in the Crimson Tide’s modern recruiting efforts.
On McElroy and Cubelic In The Morning, co-host Cole Cubelic made a bold — and telling — comparison:
“Nick Saban’s involvement in Alabama recruiting today is like Patrick Mahomes’ effect on Texas Tech recruiting. He’s not coaching you.”
Just like Mahomes isn’t part of Texas Tech’s coaching staff, Saban isn’t directly calling or closing deals with 5-star recruits anymore. But his impact lingers, and according to Greg McElroy, that’s by design.
“Nick Saban built a machine — a winning culture that recruits itself,” McElroy said.
“When top players think of Alabama, they think of rings, the NFL pipeline, discipline, and Saban’s system. That doesn’t disappear overnight.”
Contrary to rumors, Saban is not secretly working behind the scenes on Alabama’s recruiting trail. Sources close to the program confirm:
- He’s not attending recruiting meetings.
- He’s not involved in evaluation or contact with prospects.
- He maintains an ambassadorial presence, but not an operational role.
- He may occasionally speak at events or meet recruits informally, but purely as a symbolic figure.
Instead, the heavy lifting belongs to head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff — who’ve already begun shaping a new-era identity for the Crimson Tide.
Despite stepping down, Saban’s two-decade dynasty of dominance continues to be the greatest recruiting tool Alabama has:
- 🏆 6 National Championships
- 🏈 44+ First-Round NFL Draft Picks
- 🔁 A culture of development, accountability, and winning
When a recruit steps onto campus, they feel the Saban legacy in the air, even if he’s no longer holding the whistle.
Saban’s name is still powerful — no doubt. But as Cole Cubelic emphasized, it’s “Kalen DeBoer’s program now.” The torch has been passed, and DeBoer is already adding new fuel to the fire with top-tier commitments like Ezavier Crowell and a bold new vision for Alabama’s future.
