Nick Saban’s daughter Kristen has always been outspoken on issues revolving around the team, the fanbase, and college football in general.
She took to Instagram on Sunday afternoon to take questions from curious fans as to her perspective on her father’s retirement announcement and how it will impact the family as a whole.
Here are some of the questions she was asked and how she responded:
Here are a few of the more notable answers from Nick Saban’s daughter Kristen Saban Setas during an AMA on Instagram today. pic.twitter.com/Otv8ihW1yS
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) January 14, 2024
Q: Did you know he [coach Saban] was retiring or did you find out with the world?
A: “That morning, my mom let me know that it was being heavily considered but wasn’t 100% sure. I don’t think my dad was completely set on it until he gave himself a few hours to make a decision and he made it. I found out on my flight to Florida.”
Q: Is it true that your mom [Miss Terry] was diagnosed with dementia? My mom is dealing with it right now
A: “NO. I don’t even know where this came from but it’s absurd. Everyone in the family is in good health. Don’t believe everything you read.”
Q: What’s going through your mind right now?
A: “To be totally honest, after we lost to UM [Michigan], I had a weird sense of relief that we weren’t moving forward. This last season was one I will never forget for all the adversity the team faced and conquered, but like all others I think it had its hardships. I think a lot of us were starting to feel run-down and stressed, at least I know I was feeling that way. I kind of felt an end coming but didn’t know when. All I know is I felt exhausted.”
Q: What things are you most looking forward to doing as a family after football?
A: “I think we are all just really looking forward to being able to plan long family trips together and go places (like international) that we have been wanting to do and haven’t been able to due to the schedule of football. Spending more time together is going to be really enjoyed.”
Q: Loaded question…how do YOU feel about the transfer portal and NIL?!
A: “I feel strongly about it all. I think the game of college football has really been altered dramatically. I don’t know if it’s for the better or worse, but from a personal standpoint I don’t see it as the best. Things change over time, I get it. You have to adapt to the changing times but it’s difficult to watch something that was once so great turn into something else. You can agree or disagree, but that’s where I stand after seeing the huge changes that have come about after being around this game for 33 years of my life. It’s just not the same anymore.”
Q: Were you surprised by some of the guys who jumped ship? Like [Isaiah] Bond?
A: I don’t think it’s fair to call it jumping ship. Everyone has their own goals that they want to accomplish and if that’s elsewhere that is totally fine. We want every one of the guys to continue to be successful wherever they are and support them.”
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
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