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Colorado head coach Deion Sanders responded to news of Alabama legend Nick Saban’s retirement on Wednesday, posting an “odd statement” on social media.
The news sent shockwaves throughout the sports world, with not many believing a botched snap would be the last time we saw the GOAT roaming the sidelines.
One of the greatest runs in college football history is over. Nick Saban informed his team today that he’s retiring, sources tell ESPN. He won six national championships at Alabama and one at LSU.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) January 10, 2024
With the Crimson Tide, Saban won six national titles and nine conference championships. He appeared in more College Football Playoff games than any other coach in history.
He also experienced high-level success at SEC rival LSU and posted a career record of 297-71-1 – a winning percentage of more than 80%!
One most surprised to see the retirement announcement was Coach Prime, who posted a message on X after the news broke.
“WOW!” Sanders exclaimed. “College Football just lost the GOAT to retirement. WOW! I knew it would happen one day soon but not this soon. The game has changed so much that it chased the GOAT away. College football, let’s hold up our mirrors and say HONESTLY what you see.”
Deion Sanders wasn’t the only person to reference a changing landscape as the leading factor for Nick Saban stepping away, but it certainly seemed odd coming from him.
Prime has fully embraced the new era of college football, utilizing the portal more than anyone in the sport. It’s resulted in back-to-back No. 1 ranked transfer classes as he hopes to spark a quick turnaround in Boulder.
Many of the more traditional coaches have opposed recent changes with NIL and offseason free agency, including potential Alabama target Dabo Swinney.
Sanders is a part of the new wave, however.
Fans were quick to note that while replying to his Nick Saban message. Here’s what they had to say online.
“This is rich coming from you!”
“Blame the transfer portal you love so much.”
“Didn’t you cause college football to change? Look in the mirror and your reflection will show.”
“Says the coach that has benefitted most from these changes…”
“Coming from a guy that pretty much lives in the portal, this is an odd statement.”
It will be interesting to see where Alabama goes from here.