LSU coach Kim Mulkey reflects on the legendary career of Nick Saban

On Wednesday, January 10, the sports world was put on notice. After 28 years in college football, Alabama legendary head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement, and for many, it was a moment to reflect. For LSU coach Kim Mulkey, Thursday evening was that moment, as she took the time to discuss the newly retired coach.

LSU coach Kim Mulkey discusses the legend of Nick Saban following his retirement

There are certain moments throughout one’s life which become “where were you” moments. They’re situations in which something was so impactful that you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing after first experiencing it.

For college sports fans throughout the country, the retirement of Alabama head coach Nick Saban is quickly making its case as one of those moments.

“I was actually on the phone with a dear friend who’s a huge Alabama person, and I was getting a text message from my son and his roommate Joe on my staff,” LSU coach Kim Mulkey reflected following the Tiger win over Texas A&M on Thursday. “And I couldn’t follow her talking and their text messaging, and I said in the text to them, “What are you talking about?”

“They sent a post – “Saban’s retiring” – and in that instant, I’m thinking how am I gonna tell my friend this on the phone? And when I did, it was just dead silence. And she said “That’s why my kids were trying to facetime me and said, ‘Are you sitting down mom?'” So I said “We’ll talk later,” and I hung up.”

The moment was undoubtedly jarring for many Alabama fans, but also, for college sports fans in general. After all, the dominoes are already beginning to fall and will likely have an impact on the sport of football for years to come.

After winning 292 games over the course of his career, Nick Saban has not only won 12 conference championships, but seven national championships. Now, with his decision to step down, college sports will be without one of the greatest to ever coach.

“I’ve never met Nick Saban other than to shake his hand at an SEC meeting,” the Tiger head coach continued. “I went out of my way to shake his hand. Never met him, never had a conversation with him. I am a huge fan from afar.

“He’s a winner. He’s a leader. He’s a leader of people in a locker room, and you don’t have to like him. Half the people in the world don’t like me. But he’s a leader, he knows how to win, he went out on his terms, had an unbelievable season with probably a team that overachieved, and he’s gonna be missed. Not just in football, but from a coaching perspective, you watch coaches, and I’ve watched him for years.”

Alabama hires Kalen DeBoer as new head coach

As we begin to look ahead to the future of college football sans Nick Saban, it’s time for a new Alabama head coach. Notably, after 16 straight 10+ win seasons for the Crimson Tide, this is much easier said than done.

When reflecting about the new retiree, LSU coach Kim Mulkey couldn’t help but think about the next man up.

“That’s what I think of him, is much respect, and I wouldn’t want to be the person that follows him,” the women’s basketball coach said. “Expectations. The bar is up at the University of Alabama, and I think all coaches should go out like he did. Some coaches don’t know when to step away, and he did it with class.”

On Friday, January 12, just two days following the retirement announcement, former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer was named the new head coach at Alabama.

Welcome Coach, @KalenDeBoer

🔗: https://t.co/QtEZCrvKfZ#RollTide pic.twitter.com/VNoBACMstO

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) January 13, 2024

There’s no doubt DeBoer has significant experience in the sport, and after bringing his team to the national championship this past season, his stock is about as high as it’s ever been.

Still, as coach Mulkey said, expectations are high in Tuscaloosa. The entire sports world will have their eyes set on the program under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. For now, though, all we can do is watch and see the results of post-Saban Alabama.

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