For the higher a part of the previous twenty years, Nick Saban was the face of faculty soccer. Simply because he retired in January doesn’t suggest that is about to alter.
In an interview with ESPN’s Chris Low, Saban revealed his plans post-retirement, which embody utilizing his voice and platform to provide “significant change” to varsity soccer.
“I need to assist any manner I can, as a result of I really like the gamers, and I really like school soccer,” stated Saban earlier than including, “What now we have now is just not school soccer – not school soccer as we all know it. You hear someone use the phrase ‘student-athlete.’ That does not exist.”
In Low’s article, he notes, “Some coaches have advised that Saban can be an ideal alternative as school soccer commissioner if such a place is ever created.”
Saban, who was employed by ESPN as an analyst for school soccer and the NFL Draft after retiring from teaching, stated he is “not likely in search of a job,” however he’d additionally “wish to affect school soccer the easiest way I can, whether or not it is being a spokesperson or anything.”
He expressed concern in regards to the affect NIL collectives have on the game, which has largely morphed right into a pay-for-play operation.
Saban echoed an thought floated by NCAA president Charlie Baker in December 2023 that advised NIL cash be funneled by universities versus exterior teams.
“Individuals may give cash to the college once more and get a tax deduction for doing it, and the college in some sort of manner shares, the place it is share income, whether or not it is shopping for advertising and marketing rights, which is a risk,” stated Saban.
The seven-time nationwide championship-winning coach spent the vast majority of his skilled profession in school soccer, so he is aware of a factor or two in regards to the sport. Because it continues to evolve, the decision-makers can be clever to hear when Saban speaks.
