Nick Saban may have stepped away from the sidelines, but don’t mistake that for stepping away from competition. The legendary college football coach has found a new arena to channel his relentless drive: the NHL. On Tuesday, the Nashville Predators announced that Saban and longtime business partner Joe Agresti have purchased a minority stake in the franchise, joining the ownership group led by Bill Haslam.
Haslam, the former Tennessee governor, officially took over as majority owner on July 3, 2025. While the team didn’t disclose the size of Saban and Agresti’s stake, the move marks a significant new chapter for one of college football’s most iconic figures.
“Although I am now retired as a coach, I still possess a competitive nature and a great passion for sports,” Saban said in a statement. “Being involved in a sports team in Nashville has always been a goal, and the opportunity to partner in the Predators with a class act like Bill Haslam created the perfect scenario for us. The Preds are a great organization with a fantastic brand, and we are excited to be part of the future success of the franchise.”
For Saban, it’s not just about being around sports - it’s about being part of something that still fuels that competitive fire. Coaching may be in the rearview mirror, but the hunger to win, to build, to compete? That’s still very much alive.
Saban and Agresti are no strangers to the business world. Their Dream Motor Group includes 10 car dealerships, two of which are located in Nashville - so there’s already a strong local footprint. This investment in the Predators deepens that connection and signals a long-term commitment to the city and its sports culture.
After stepping down from Alabama following the 2023 season, Saban left behind a legacy unmatched in the modern era: seven national championships - one with LSU, six with the Crimson Tide - and a reputation as one of the greatest to ever do it. Naturally, with this year’s coaching carousel spinning faster than ever, there was some chatter about whether the 74-year-old might be tempted to return. But Saban’s been clear: that chapter is closed.
Still, anyone who’s watched him on College GameDay knows the fire hasn't dimmed. Breaking down matchups and offering insight is one thing - owning a piece of a pro franchise is another. This move gives Saban a new kind of sideline, one where he can help shape the future of a team without calling plays.
It remains to be seen how involved he’ll be in day-to-day operations, but make no mistake - Saban doesn’t do anything halfway. Whether it’s building a dynasty in Tuscaloosa or backing a rising NHL franchise, he’s in it to win. And with the Predators continuing to push for relevance in a crowded Western Conference, having a competitor like Saban in the ownership suite could be just the kind of edge this franchise needs.