There is nothing unusual about college football coaches and programs seeking Nick Saban’s insight when making a big decision. Now an NHL team is doing the same thing.
Saban will serve on the search committee for the Nashville Predators as they hire a new general manager, the team revealed Monday. The team is in need of a new GM after Barry Trotz decided to step down.
Nick Saban will have a say in the search to select the #Preds’ new general manager.
— Gentry Estes (@Gentry_Estes) February 2, 2026
This is not a sentence I expected to type two days into February 2026.
As odd as it is, there is nothing random about Saban’s involvement. He purchased a minority stake in the Predators franchise in December. There were no indications at the time that Saban would play a significant role in franchise decision-making or hockey operations, but as long as he is around, the Predators clearly sought to tap into his expertise and trust that his knowledge of managing a successful team might translate in other sports as well.
Saban is no stranger to offering advice. He controversially counseled Lane Kiffin on whether to take the LSU job late last year, though some saw that as a conflict of interest due to his job with ESPN.
The Predators have not won a playoff series since 2018 and are likely to miss the playoffs for the third time in four years this season. Saban will have to choose wisely as the team charts a new path forward.
