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Nick Saban is gearing up for Year 17 with the Crimson Tide as he sets his sights on a return to the College Football Playoff. The legendary head coach has racked up six national titles as Alabama’s leader while adding seventh at SEC rival LSU.
Some, however, believe he’s slowing down based on a recent purchase. Saban bought a $17.5 million house in Jupiter, Florida, with many speculating that he’s preparing for retirement.
One of those suggesting that retirement is radio host Paul Finebaum. The college football personality said as much while speaking with ESPN’s Matt Barrie.
“That, to me, sounds like a retirement home,” Finebaum said. “That’s what it sounds like to me. And maybe $17.5 million is not a lot to Nick Saban, but that really is pretty remarkable. I don’t know when he’s going to retire, but Hugh Freeze will be at Auburn after Nick Saban’s at Alabama. I can mark that one down pretty easily.”
At 71 years of age, it’s not odd to think about the head coach’s calling it quits. Still, he doesn’t seem to be slowing down based on both on-field success or recruiting.
The Crimson Tide landed the top class of the 2023 cycle, and they’ll likely see another top 10 finish in 2024.
In 16 seasons at Alabama, the Tide have notched double digit wins 15 times while winning eight SEC titles. Many, including Finebaum, have been critical of Saban after missing the CFP in 2023 despite the fact that they played for a national championship the year prior.
Others have joined in on the narrative, maybe in hopes of manifesting the retirement given his college football dominance.
Nick Saban eyeing retirement? pic.twitter.com/axiHEDbsWU
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) August 3, 2023
If he does in fact call it a career in the near future, Saban will live in style at his new multimillion-dollar house. The Sunshine State home, built in 1992, sits beachfront on 1.68 acres of land.
It boasts 6,200 square feet of renovated interior which include marble floors, a floating staircase, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and six bedrooms.
He’ll also be neighbors with golf stars Tiger Woods and Gary Player.
Nick Saban buys $17.5 million home on Jupiter Island. Can now borrow a cup of sugar from neighbor Tiger Woods.https://t.co/DCAQERm3l9
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) August 2, 2023