Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban looks to be enjoying retirement.
After the longtime college football icon shook the sports world by retiring at the end of last season, Saban has been on media tours for various sporting events and has been photographed or videotaped on plenty of golf courses.
In a video posted to TikTok from KTAR News in Arizona, the former Alabama coach is lined up in the tee box, ready to fire away with his driver. Saban loads back and drives the ball, followed by a particular shout from one of the spectators nearby.
“Go Vols!” someone shouted, as Saban held his swing to watch the ball fly.
After leaning over to pick up his tee and walk away from the box, a smile could easily be seen across Saban’s face.
Saban walked away with a grin that can only be described as an unexpected pop. Great sportsmanship all around.
Just over a week after KTAR News posted the video, an account named “The Orange Blood” re-posted the video to X.
Went to watch little Nicky play golf today… watch til the end. 😂 pic.twitter.com/0ck8ekR0Sw
— The Orange Blood (@TheOrangeBloods) April 18, 2024
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Like Saban surrendering a laugh from the Tennessee fan’s comment, it’s also hard not to give a chuckle to Ole Miss fan Rex Martin’s reply on X.
“At least they didn’t throw a golf ball at him,” the social media user commented, calling back to the infamous golf ball incident with Lane Kiffin in Neyland Stadium in 2021.
Saban’s retirement is well deserved. The future Hall of Fame football coach went 297-71 during his 28 years as a college football head coach, including a 16-1 record against the University of Tennessee.
But as Tennessee fans will quickly remind you, Saban’s final game in Neyland Stadium was a loss, and that won’t change. That’s at least something, right?
Tennessee will now look to face Alabama in the Kalen DeBoer era. While the SEC’s East and West divisions are going away, the Third Saturday in October rivalry will stay intact, leading to a new chapter in the Tennessee-Alabama rivalry as both Josh Heupel and Kalen DeBoer look to make their mark on the series. Tennessee’s lone win over Saban’s Alabama program was orchestrated by Josh Heupel, leading many to believe that Tennessee is on the right track with their fourth-year head coach.
Tennessee and Alabama will square off for the 107th time on Saturday, Oct. 19, in Neyland Stadium. Tennessee will host Florida and Alabama in back-to-back October games after a trip to Arkansas on October 5.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee football news, notes, coverage… and whatever other weird stories pop up throughout the offseason.
