Paul Finebaum, a renowned college football analyst, recently explained why Nick Saban, the legendary head coach of the University of Alabama, won’t be the “commissioner of college football.” Finebaum’s perspective is rooted in several key considerations that underscore the complexities surrounding college football leadership, Nick Saban’s own preferences, and the broader dynamics of the sport.
First, Finebaum highlighted that Nick Saban’s influence in college football is already immense. Saban, who has built Alabama into a perennial powerhouse, is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the sport’s history. His success on the field and ability to consistently recruit top talent have given him significant sway within college football circles. However, Finebaum argued that Saban’s role as head coach, particularly at a prestigious program like Alabama, does not lend itself to the diplomatic and administrative responsibilities that come with being a commissioner.
The commissioner of college football, or of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, would need to navigate the complex relationships between various stakeholders, including conference commissioners, athletic directors, coaches, and universities. Finebaum pointed out that Saban, while highly influential, is deeply entrenched in the competitive world of college football as a coach. His primary focus is on winning football games and recruiting top talent, which makes him less inclined to step into a role that requires him to take a more neutral, overarching approach to the governance of college football.
Additionally, Finebaum emphasized that Saban has shown little interest in moving into administrative roles. Despite his dominance as a coach, Saban has consistently indicated that he enjoys his work on the field and has no desire to leave the coaching profession. He is known for his intense work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and unyielding drive to continue competing at the highest level. Finebaum speculated that the challenges of being a commissioner—such as dealing with political infighting, managing varying interests, and negotiating with television networks—would not align with Saban’s preferences or personality.
Moreover, Finebaum pointed out that there are numerous political hurdles within college football that could make the idea of Saban becoming commissioner unrealistic. College football is an industry governed by a multitude of conferences, each with its own interests and priorities. The power dynamics between the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and other conferences, along with the differing priorities of individual programs, would make it difficult for any one person to unite the sport under a single leadership structure. Saban’s deep ties to the SEC, in particular, could create conflict in such a role, as he might be perceived as overly aligned with one conference’s interests.
while Nick Saban’s influence in college football is undeniable, Paul Finebaum made it clear that the role of commissioner would require a different set of skills and interests. Saban’s focus on coaching, combined with the complexities of managing college football’s vast landscape, makes it unlikely that he would transition into such a leadership position. Instead, Finebaum believes that college football needs a leader who can balance the interests of various stakeholders and take a more neutral stance—something that would be difficult for someone as deeply entrenched in the competitive side of the sport as Nick Saban.
