Nick Saban may be retired from coaching, but make no mistake-he’s still calling plays when it comes to the future of college football. And his latest suggestion? It’s not about schemes or recruiting-it’s about fixing the sport’s calendar before it spirals further into chaos.
During ESPN’s “College GameDay” on New Year’s Day, analyst Kirk Herbstreit made a direct plea to college football’s power brokers: bring Saban into the room. Not just for show, but to actually listen and collaborate. “Pick his brain,” Herbstreit said, “because he lived it and he cares more about the sport than anybody.”
Saban, half-jokingly, responded with a surprised, “I am?” But when pressed, his tone turned serious. He’s not just open to the idea-he’s ready to step in for the good of the game.
“I would really love to do it for the sake of the players and coaches in college football,” Saban said.
And he’s got a point. According to Saban, the real madness doesn’t even begin until January 2. That’s when the transfer portal reopens-and with it, a flood of movement that’s turning postseason prep into a logistical nightmare.
“There’s already been 120 starters say they are getting in the portal from big, powerful schools,” Saban noted. That’s not just turnover-that’s upheaval.
He painted a vivid picture of the dysfunction: Imagine Oregon and Ole Miss both winning their bowl games. Oregon has two coordinators already heading to other jobs, possibly trying to recruit players from their current roster to follow them.
Ole Miss? Six coaches are reportedly bound for LSU, potentially trying to bring players with them-while still preparing for a bowl game.
“Is that chaos or is that chaos?” Saban asked, rhetorically. No one needed to answer.
His solution? It’s not complicated.
Shift the portal opening to May, aligning it with the academic calendar. Then, move spring practice to after the portal closes.
That way, coaches and players can finish the season together without distractions or behind-the-scenes poaching.
It’s a structure that mirrors the NFL’s approach-where the season ends before free agency begins, and coaching changes don’t disrupt playoff prep.
“You wouldn’t have these issues with coaches changing jobs because everyone could finish the season with their team, which is what is best for the players,” Saban said.
That last point is key. Saban’s not just thinking about the programs or the conferences-he’s thinking about the players.
The ones who commit to a team, only to see their coaches leave before the final whistle. The ones who are asked to focus on a bowl game while their future is being negotiated behind closed doors.
In a sport that’s rapidly evolving-with NIL, conference realignment, and expanded playoffs all changing the landscape-Saban’s voice still carries weight. And when he talks about fixing the calendar, it’s not just nostalgia or tradition talking. It’s a coach who’s seen every side of the system, offering a practical fix for a growing problem.
So maybe it’s time to take him up on that New Year’s resolution. Get the commissioners in a room.
Hand Saban the whiteboard. And let’s start drawing up a better game plan for college football’s future.