Video: Nick Saban Says He Was Denied Entry to SEC Media Day for Not Having Credential

As Alabama’s head football coach, Nick Saban was used to having carte blanche to go essentially anywhere he wanted unchecked.

As a member of the media, Saban’s learning that isn’t the case.

The retired coach said he was stopped at SEC Media Day on Monday for failing to have his credentials.

“I’ve never worn a credential in my life. Was always, for 17 years, able to get into SEC Media Day without a credential. I had to go back to the room today to get my credential to get in,” Saban said Monday on Get Up (8:35 mark).

Saban retired from coaching after the 2023 season after one of the greatest careers in college football history. He went 291-71-1 in 28 seasons as a head coach, with the last 17 coming at Alabama. The Crimson Tide won six national titles under Saban’s stewardship, giving him a record seven overall championships.

In his last 10 seasons at Alabama, Saban’s teams finished outside the Top 5 just once. He finished outside the Top 10 one time in 16 seasons—his first as he was taking over a program in desperate need of a rebuild.

Saban has quickly found his footing in media since signing with ESPN. He will join the College GameDay table starting this season and will make regular appearances on the Pat McAfee Show and other ESPN platforms.

It’s safe to say Saban will keep himself as far away as possible from the Alabama program, as he tries to allow Kalen DeBoer ample time to make the program his own.