Nick Saban Names SEC Coach That Is Probably Not Happy He's Retired In 2024

Nick Saban led the Alabama Crimson Tide to six national titles during his tenure. His last national title came in 2020 against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Saban retired from coaching last season after the Rose Bowl.

He appeared at SEC media days on Tuesday, joining the SEC Network set. Saban said Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel was probably not too thrilled about his retirement.

"You're probably one of the few coaches that are not so pleased that I retired since you guys put 52 on us," Saban said.

The Tennessee Volunteers had a historic win over Alabama in 2022, snapping a losing streak dating to 2007. The Volunteers won, 52-49, on a game-winning field goal from Chase McGrath.

Tennessee achieved another significant milestone that season, winning 11 games for the first time since the 2001 season. The Volunteers beat the Clemson Tigers in the Orange Bowl to cap the 2022 campaign.

Both Tennessee and Alabama finished that season with the same number of wins. Alabama ended the year by beating the Kansas State Wildcats in the Sugar Bowl to finish 11-2.

While Tennessee fans still dream about the 2022 season, Saban had the last laugh before retirement. Saban gained revenge last season in Tuscaloosa, beating Tennessee, 34-20. The Crimson Tide went into halftime down 20-7, but they scored 27 consecutive points in the second half to secure the win.

It will be interesting to see how Heupel and first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer add their chapter to the rivalry. Alabama and Tennessee meet this season on Oct. 19.

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