Reggie Bush takes shot at Nick Saban

Jan 30, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Reggie Bush at NFL Network press conference at Georgia World Congress Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Saban announced his retirement earlier this week, bringing to a close one of the greatest college coaching careers in history. But Reggie Bush wasn’t going to allow Saban to depart without a shot across the bow.

Although Saban said the grueling schedule combined with his age was the reason for him stepping away, Bush has a different theory. He believes the legendary Alabama coach is calling it quits because he can no longer control the players thanks to the implementation of NIL deals.

Bush issued his comment via Instagram, saying “NIL ran [Saban] away, he has no more control over 5 star recruits, the playing field is level and he can’t handle that.”

Reggie Bush from the top rope 😂 pic.twitter.com/7O8R9zSAsc

— Austin 🥶 (@AuburnsF00tball) January 12, 2024

Bush isn’t alone in that belief. Colorado head coach Deion Sanders shared similar sentiments even if he wasn’t quite as blunt as Bush.

But there are some flaws to that argument. While Saban was openly frustrated with NILs and the impact they have on the game of college football, it never prevented him from dominating each recruiting class. In 2021 and 2023, Alabama had the top-ranked class in America. In 2022 and here in 2024 (ongoing), the Crimson Tide ranked No. 2 in the country.

In total, Saban lured 21 five-star recruits to Tuscaloosa over that span. Not bad for a guy allegedly lacking control.

It’s also important to note that while Saban criticized the lack of structure in the modern NIL world, he was always in favor of players making money.

Ultimately, at the age of 72, Saban just decided it was time. If he were 10 years younger, it’s a pretty safe bet that he’d still be manning the sidelines at Alabama, NIL deals be damned.