What is Saban being paid to do?

[BamaJoe23]

Hi guys. First time posting but I'm a very long time reader of this site... well over a decade now and I've greatly enjoyed reading all the posts and everyone's insights on here over the years. I decided to finally register to make a post because I have a question that I can't seem to find a really clear answer to:

What exactly is the University of Alabama still paying Nick Saban to do?

Im assuming he still has an office at the University and he is still being paid 500k a year? For what exactly? From what I read he's advising the athletic department in some capacity? Do you think he meets with Greg Byrne semi often? I know I read last year when we were struggling and already dropped a couple of games, someone had asked him had he spoken to KD and he said that he hadn't. I completely understand him not wanting to interfere with KD and his program now but again... if he hadn't talked to him then and hasn't (I'm assuming) talked to him now after this loss...why is he still being paid a half a million dollars a year? To give advice to the swim team?? I guess it's just wishful thinking on my part but I would think a nice 10 minute butt chewing from him to the team (and coaches!) might actually motivate someone to play and coach worth a crap. What are yalls thoughts?

 

[Bama Lee]

Advise from time to time, recruiting help, booster help, and in general just be a good ambassador to the program.

 

[Elefantman]

Is scouting new HC's part of his job? Asking for a friend.

 

[JessN]

Not work for anyone else, for one thing.

Also, be officially connected to UA while he also works for ESPN, which allows Alabama to have a direct connection into the largest sports network in the world every time he pops up there.

 

[BamaJoe23]

That makes sense. And I'm certainly happy he is still on the payroll regardless of what he does.

I'm VERY happy with the way the team responded in the game last night. It might only be ULM and the jury might still be out on just how good we are/can be but they definitely responded in a big way this game and they deserve a lot of praise. Now just keep it up and stay off TikTok! Haha

 

[JDCrimson]

Hopefully is being paid to coach CKD...

 

[Ledsteplin]

Hopefully is being paid to coach CKD...

If so, they can't make that public. So, ssshhh!

 

[Ledsteplin]

That makes sense. And I'm certainly happy he is still on the payroll regardless of what he does.

I'm VERY happy with the way the team responded in the game last night. It might only be ULM and the jury might still be out on just how good we are/can be but they definitely responded in a big way this game and they deserve a lot of praise. Now just keep it up and stay off TikTok! Haha

Yes, avoid all the rat poison. Pop in more often, Joe, and participate in our discussions!

 

[NoNC4Tubs]

Advise from time to time, recruiting help, booster help, and in general just be a good ambassador to the program.

I would guess fund-raising duties of some type...

 

[Bama Lee]

I would guess fund-raising duties of some type...

That’s what I meant by booster help

 

[CoolBreeze]

Welcome to the board! We are paying Nick to be associated with the program as long as possible. Well deserved as still the most respected football coach of our age.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Saban's recruiting impact alone is worth $500k, and I'm guessing he's doing more than that, though I've no idea his role.

 

[PA Tide Fan]

Hopefully is being paid to coach CKD...

He is in a way. Once in a while he makes comments that we can all tell are directed at the players and CKD.

 

[colbysullivan]

I thought it was common knowledge the answer is pretty much "nothing" aka "Don't take a coaching job at another school, and chip in to help with recruits here and there."

 

[Bamabuzzard]

My understanding is that his job is to be an ambassador for the university, help with fundraising and recruiting. That is worth $500,000, imo.

 

[bamaee04]

Is there any smoke to the hope that he might take the AD job when/if Byrne moves on? I don't know that he would want it or take it, but I'd dang sure make him say no when the time comes. He seems to enjoy the ESPN gig and still making it back to T-town for the games. Any help he gives in recruiting, fundraising, networking, or just being there as an ambassador is worth whatever it takes.

 

[NoNC4Tubs]

Is there any smoke to the hope that he might take the AD job when/if Byrne moves on? I don't know that he would want it or take it, but I'd dang sure make him say no when the time comes. He seems to enjoy the ESPN gig and still making it back to T-town for the games. Any help he gives in recruiting, fundraising, networking, or just being there as an ambassador is worth whatever it takes.

Hadn't considered that, but that would be awesome!

He would certainly keep the boosters in line and have a tremendous impact in fundraising...

 

[colbysullivan]

Is there any smoke to the hope that he might take the AD job when/if Byrne moves on? I don't know that he would want it or take it, but I'd dang sure make him say no when the time comes. He seems to enjoy the ESPN gig and still making it back to T-town for the games. Any help he gives in recruiting, fundraising, networking, or just being there as an ambassador is worth whatever it takes.

That might be better for Bama in the short term, but I’d much rather he become the first commissioner in college football. It would help the state of the sport immensely. College football is a dead man walking right now.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Is there any smoke to the hope that he might take the AD job when/if Byrne moves on? I don't know that he would want it or take it, but I'd dang sure make him say no when the time comes. He seems to enjoy the ESPN gig and still making it back to T-town for the games. Any help he gives in recruiting, fundraising, networking, or just being there as an ambassador is worth whatever it takes.

I don't think UA can compete with what he's making from ESPN, so the only way I see that happening is if he wants to work in administration rather than continuing his involvement in CFB via commentary.

For some reason I just don't see that being as interesting to him, but who knows?

 

[crimsonaudio]

That might be better for Bama in the short term, but I’d much rather he become the first commissioner in college football. It would help the state of the sport immensely. College football is a dead man walking right now.

I could see Saban doing this - he's definitely a 'fix it' guy.