AD in Alabama Greg Byrne Does Not Find Nick Saban’s Retirement Surprising.
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama: A huge number of people worldwide were taken aback by Nick Saban’s announcement of his retirement on Wednesday. Greg Byrne, the athletic director for the Crimson Tide, wasn’t one of them.
The man who knew deep down that he would be the one to select the next great coach said that Saban was open and honest when discussing his plans for the future.
“As the retirement approached, I couldn’t have asked for better communication,” Byrne remarked. “I don’t want to say a date and time.” I wasn’t caught off guard.”
The 17-year Alabama coach will continue to be involved with the program. That is something that Saban’s replacement, former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer, is adamant about. He plans to give Saban complete access when he needs it. Both Byrne and the new coach want the latter to be involved in the search that produced the former.
During the season, Byrne and Saban got together in the afternoon every Sunday. The two had regular conversations during the off-season. Byrne had hoped that Saban would continue to coach for as long as he desired when he arrived. But getting ready for what was to come next was crucial.
