Nick Saban might be showing a softer side of himself in retirement.
While making his annual appearance at the Regions Tradition Celebrity Pro-Am in Birmingham, Saban addressed the media for the first time at the event with the term “former Alabama head coach” in his title.
https://twitter.com/aldotcomTide/status/1788225305967997330
“Good to see you guys,” Saban said to the local media as he began his availability. “Can’t tell you how much I missed y’all, Really the only reason I came here was to see y’all,” he said with a chuckle.
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban meets with the media before his round pic.twitter.com/7YeSomOPAK
— Joe Gaither (@JoeGaither6) May 8, 2024
“This is one of my favorite events that we did every year,” Saban said of the Regions. “To be able to meet the players, see a lot of fans, sign a lot of autographs, make a lot of people feel good I hope and I always enjoy playing golf. It is a great cause and Regions is a great organization in our state.”
Nick Saban’s bag for the Regions’s Pro-Am at Greystone pic.twitter.com/9Qf3TAgONd
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) May 8, 2024
Saban had an opportunity on the driving range to have a quick catching up with his successor Kalen DeBoer as well:
Past 🤝 Present
Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer share a moment on the driving range at the 2024 Region Traditions Pro-Am. #RollTide pic.twitter.com/6flIWe6yuN
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) May 8, 2024
Eventually it was time for Saban to hit the tee, which he did to massive applause:
Former @AlabamaFTBL Head Coach Nick Saban at the @RegionsTrad pic.twitter.com/mLBWoeGpoe
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) May 8, 2024
Saban is tee’ing it up with the man who has won the last two Regions Tradition titles and three of the past four, Steve Stricker. Check out all the pairings here.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
