In a twist that has left the entire SEC reeling, legendary coach Nick Saban, the architect behind Alabama’s modern football dynasty, is now being accused of something unthinkable—setting up his successor, Kalen DeBoer, for failure. And how is he doing it? By allegedly giving Alabama’s fiercest rival, the Georgia Bulldogs, a colossal advantage in the recruiting wars. Yes, you heard that right. The man who hoisted six National Championships in Tuscaloosa is now, it seems, pulling strings to benefit Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs. Cue the gasps and double takes across college football nation.
Why Is Nick Saban Boosting Georgia Instead of Alabama?
It’s the million-dollar question that’s got fans, analysts, and rivals alike scratching their heads. Why would the GOAT of college football, still drawing a tidy $500,000 paycheck from Alabama as an advisor, help Georgia, of all teams? Did he forget which side he’s on? Or is there a deeper, more cunning motive behind his unexpected move?
Enter That SEC Football Podcast, where the ever-curious SEC Mike grilled Cousin Shane for answers on February 12’s episode. The theory Shane dropped was nothing short of explosive. “Nick Saban wants to be remembered as the greatest college football coach of all time,” he declared, his tone thick with intrigue. “When he left Alabama, that title was his. But if DeBoer rolls in and wins three straight national titles? Saban’s legacy starts looking a little… smaller.”
Mic drop.
Think about it: Saban’s shadow looms large over Alabama, but what if Kalen DeBoer swoops in and outshines him with a fresh batch of trophies? According to Shane, that’s exactly what Saban wants to avoid. By giving Kirby Smart a recruiting edge, he could be ensuring that Georgia, not Alabama, dominates the SEC landscape post-Saban. It’s a move that would keep his coaching throne secure while throwing a wrench into DeBoer’s plans.
SEC Mike chuckled at the conspiracy, clearly savoring the drama. But not everyone’s buying the sinister angle. Chris Marler, in a previous episode, took a more wholesome approach: “It’s almost like Nick Saban just wants what’s good for the sport. I don’t know if he’s trying to help Georgia. I do love the fact that he’s anti-government though, I think that’s great.”
Still, the plot thickens. Whether it’s strategic sabotage or just an act of sportsmanship, the SEC isn’t going to stop buzzing about this anytime soon.
The Shocking NIL Proposal That Started It All
So, what exactly did Saban do that’s got everyone in a frenzy? It all went down during an unassuming dinner at Lake Burton. Picture this: Saban, his wife Terry, and a few close friends—including Georgia State Senator Brandon Beach—gathered around a table, probably over some good Southern cooking. But what started as casual conversation soon took a turn into game-changing territory.
According to Beach, the former Alabama head coach dropped a bombshell of an idea mid-meal. “He loves Kirby Smart like a son,” Beach revealed, referring to their close bond forged during Smart’s tenure as Saban’s defensive coordinator at Alabama. Then came Saban’s now-infamous suggestion: “If you want to help Kirby until they figure out all this NIL stuff, one thing you could do is eliminate the income tax on NIL athletes.”
Wait, what?
That’s right—Saban, the Crimson Tide icon, pitched an idea that would directly benefit Georgia’s recruiting efforts. Inspired by his suggestion, Beach filed Senate Bill 71 on February 4, aiming to exempt NIL income from state taxes, giving Georgia and Georgia Tech a massive edge over out-of-state competitors. If passed, this bill could revolutionize recruiting in the Peach State, luring top athletes with the promise of tax-free earnings.
But why would Saban, still on Alabama’s payroll, hand Georgia such a golden ticket? Is this some twisted 4D chess move to protect his legacy? Or is it, as Marler suggests, just Saban being a purist who wants to see college football thrive, no matter who’s on top?
A Legacy in the Balance or Just Good Sportsmanship?
Theories are swirling faster than a tornado on game day. Is Nick Saban the Machiavellian mastermind, subtly sabotaging his successor to safeguard his status as the undisputed GOAT? Or is he simply a retired coach who’s out of the game but still passionate about making college football better for everyone—even if that means helping Georgia climb to the top?
Cousin Shane, for one, isn’t buying the innocence act. “Whatever competitive edge the SEC needs to compete with teams like Ohio State and Notre Dame when it comes to NIL, I’m all for it, Mike,” he admitted. But he couldn’t help adding a dig: “I don’t like watching a National Championship and one of my beloved teams isn’t in it.”
Is Saban hedging his bets on Georgia being the SEC’s best shot at national dominance, or is he just playing the long game to ensure Alabama doesn’t outshine his storied career?
One thing’s certain—this saga is far from over. Whether Nick Saban is the hero or the villain in this story, the SEC world is hooked, and the drama is just heating up.
