Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban attacks everything he does with a relentless drive to be the best and a nonstop motor that carries him to the top.
It’s what made him the greatest coach in the history of college football and what won him seven national titles throughout his illustrious career.
When Saban hung up the whistle and called it a career in terms of coaching, it was not long before he was added to the desk on ESPN’s College GameDay, a preview show every Saturday morning in the fall set at the location of the biggest game of that week.
Saban, who has always been engaging in terms of press conferences and simply being a great speaker, was expected to be well received on the program, though what may not have been expected is the way he universally won over even fans of former rival teams with his eloquence, humor, and analysis of breaking down matchups from a media perspective.
For his efforts, Saban has been nominated for one of the highest honors in his new field – an Emmy award – in the category of “Outstanding personality/emerging on-air talent.”
NEWS: Nick Saban has been nominated for an Emmy for “Outstanding personality/emerging on-air talent”⭐️
He’s up against Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jason Kelce, Richard Sherman, and Jay Wright. https://t.co/Iw3xc9ixiJ pic.twitter.com/xHutQPoaB2
— On3 (@On3sports) April 8, 2025
Saban is nominated alongside several former athletes and coaches including both former NFL players Ryan Fitzpatrick and Richard Sherman, who have been on the halftime and postgame analysis for Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime.
Jason Kelce – a former Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion – has been doing tons of media including joining the ESPN Monday Night Football broadcast for pregame and halftime analysis.
Jay Wright – former national title winning Villanova head basketball coach – has been a part of CBS’ March Madness coverage virtually since his retirement and has been commended for bringing an experienced and elite college hoops mind to the table.
“This year’s Sports Emmy nominees have once again raised the bar in sports television, blending innovation and passion to deliver unforgettable moments,” said Adam Sharp, president and CEO of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences via On3. “From their groundbreaking technical achievements to their excellence in the timeless art of live sports drama and documentary storytelling, we look forward to honoring these extraordinary professionals’ contributions at the 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards.”
Saban likely has a great chance of adding another trophy to his collection, though it’s safe to say he would be as or more proud of this one than any of the previous bling just one year removed from doing something he had done for half a century and trying something completely different.
The winner will be announced at the ceremony on Tuesday May 20.
