Why is Nick Saban on College GameDay? Explaining coaching legend's new broadcast role for 2024

After retiring from his legendary football coaching career in 2023, Nick Saban couldn't stay too far away from the game.

When the 2024 college football season gets underway, Saban will play a key role in ESPN's coverage as a member of the College GameDay crew. Saban officially joined the network in February, and in the time since, he has provided coverage for the NFL Draft and SEC Media Days.

With the college football season in full swing, Saban's presence on GameDay will be impossible to ignore. Here's everything to know about Saban's new role in the football world and what he'll be doing on ESPN's college football pregame show.

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Why is Nick Saban on College GameDay?

Saban will be an analyst on College GameDay, joining a star-studded group that includes Lee Corso, Kirk Herbsreit, Desmond Howard, and Pat McAfee.

As a member of GameDay, Saban will bring his expertise as a legend in the college football space to each broadcast. In an official statement shared with the network, Saban explained more on his decision to join ESPN's team and what he hoped to bring to the table.

“ESPN and College GameDay have played such an important role in the growth of college football, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to join their team,” Saban said in February.

“I’ll do my best to offer additional insights and perspectives to contribute to College GameDay, the ultimate Saturday tradition for college football fans.”

Saban is no stranger to the program after appearances made during his coaching career. He joined the crew in his new capacity during the Week 0 edition of the show from Dublin.

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Who makes up the College GameDay team?

• Rece Davis, host
• Lee Corso, analyst
• Kirk Herbstreit, analyst
• Desmond Howard, analyst
• Pat McAfee, analyst
• Nick Saban, analyst
• Pete Thamel, insider
• Jen Lada, reporter
• Jess Sims, reporter
• "Stanford Steve" Coughlin, betting analyst