Wait, what? Nick Saban, the legendary former Alabama head coach, the man who turned the Crimson Tide into a football dynasty, is now… helping Georgia? Yep, you read that right. In a jaw-dropping twist that has the entire SEC buzzing, Saban has been linked to a bold move by Georgia lawmakers that could give the Bulldogs—and other in-state schools—a major edge in the ever-chaotic NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) game.
The bombshell? Georgia is pushing a bill that would exempt NIL income from state taxes, making the Peach State a prime destination for top recruits. And the person who allegedly sparked this idea? None other than Nick Saban himself. That’s right—Alabama’s GOAT might be helping Kirby Smart, his former protégé, build an even bigger powerhouse in Athens. But why? That’s the million-dollar question, and the debate is just heating up.
The NIL Tax Break That’s Shaking the SEC
Senate Bill 71, introduced by State Senator Brandon Beach on February 4, aims to level the playing field for Georgia’s schools, like UGA and Georgia Tech, against states like Florida, Tennessee, and Texas—places where athletes don’t have to worry about state income tax. If passed, this bill could make Georgia one of the most attractive destinations for recruits looking to maximize their NIL earnings. But the kicker? The idea reportedly came from a casual dinner conversation at Lake Burton, where Saban dropped this game-changing suggestion.
“He loves Kirby Smart like a son,” Beach revealed. “And he said, ‘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.’ So, I actually got the idea from Nick Saban.”
Now, let’s pause for a second. Nick Saban—the man who haunted SEC opponents for years—is now helping his biggest competitor? It’s no wonder the entire college football world is scratching its head.
Is Saban Playing Chess While Everyone Else Plays Checkers?
Some folks think Saban is just looking out for the sport. After all, he’s been vocal about the chaotic state of NIL and how it’s disrupting college football’s balance. Chris Marler from Locked on Gamecocks weighed in during an episode of That SEC Football Podcast, saying, “It’s almost like Nick Saban just wants what’s good for the sport. Not paying tax is good for everybody. Taxes are stupid. I’m happy for it, and I think it’s great.”
But not everyone’s buying the whole “for the good of the game” narrative. SEC Mike, the podcast’s host, couldn’t wrap his head around Saban’s motives. “He’s on a payroll; I mean, that’s the whole thing that’s blown my mind—that he’s on a payroll with Alabama, and he’s trying to help Georgia.”
And that’s where things get murky. Saban might have retired from coaching, but he’s still very much involved with Alabama’s athletic department, pulling in a cool $500,000 as an advisor. So why isn’t he pushing for a similar NIL tax break in Alabama? Is this just a case of old loyalty to Kirby Smart, or is Saban playing a much bigger game behind the scenes?
The Saban-Smart Connection: More Than Just Football?
To understand this wild twist, you’ve got to look at the history between Saban and Smart. Their relationship goes way back to their days at Alabama, where Smart served as Saban’s defensive coordinator. Together, they built one of the most dominant dynasties in college football history, racking up championships and cementing their legacies.
But when Smart left to take over at Georgia, he didn’t just leave with Saban’s blessing—he left with his playbook. Since then, Smart has turned Georgia into a juggernaut, going toe-to-toe with his old mentor and even beating him on the biggest stages. Despite their fierce on-field rivalry, their bond seems unbreakable.
So, is Saban’s support for Smart just a sign of that deep connection? Maybe. But in the high-stakes world of college football, nothing is ever that simple.
What’s Next for Georgia—and the Rest of the SEC?
Senator Beach is confident that Senate Bill 71 will pass. “I feel very strongly that it’ll pass,” he said. “It’s going to go to committee next week, and then I’ll get it out, and I serve on rules. We’ll get it out and get it on the floor and debate it and pass it.” If it does, Georgia will have a massive recruiting advantage, and Kirby Smart will have Saban to thank for it.
But the ripple effects could be huge. If Alabama doesn’t follow suit, the Crimson Tide could find themselves falling behind in the NIL arms race—a scenario that was unthinkable just a few years ago. And if Saban is playing some long game, what’s his endgame? Is he trying to force the NCAA’s hand on NIL reforms? Or is he just trying to keep the sport he loves from spiraling out of control?
One thing’s for sure: even in retirement, Nick Saban is still pulling strings in college football. Whether he’s helping or hurting Alabama in the process? That’s a mystery that’s only just beginning to unfold. Buckle up, SEC fans—the drama’s just getting started.
