Unexpected Twist: How Donald Trump’s Shocking Message About Nick Saban Divided Football Fans Overnight
Here’s a scene you might not have expected at a University of Alabama commencement: President Donald Trump stepping up to the podium fresh off a glowing introduction by none other than Nick Saban—the man who reshaped modern college football. And wouldn’t you know it, Trump didn’t hold back tossing out a cheeky, almost conspiratorial, “Let’s bring him back” about Saban, before quickly tipping his hat to the current coach Kalen DeBoer. It’s the kind of offhand remark that sets Alabama football fans’ imaginations ablaze—is a Saban comeback actually on the table, or just a president having a little fun with football’s most intimidating stadium crowd? Meanwhile, Saban, now an ESPN analyst, seems perfectly fine trading X’s and O’s for spotlight and studio – but the fervor among Crimson Tide faithful suggests that the Saban era casts a shadow that even time struggles to fade. So what’s next? Will the echoes of “Roll Tide” get louder or will the new guard hold steady? Buckle up, this one’s got layers as thick as a fourth-quarter comeback in Bryant-Denny Stadium. LEARN MORE.
President Donald Trump was an early commencement speaker at the University of Alabama on Thursday, and he was joined by legendary former Alabama football coach Nick Saban, who spoke before Trump took the stage.
As Saban walked away and Trump addressed the podium, he showered the former head coach with praise.
“What a great coach,” Trump said. “Let’s bring him back. No, you have a good coach right now, though.”
Trump was also complimentary to Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne and current Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer.
After Trump’s speech and shout-out to Saban on Thursday, football fans are reacting to the president’s comments on the former head coach.
@al.comnews President Donald Trump jokes about needing to bring coach Nick Saban back, and quickly says coach Kalen DeBoer is a great coach during his speech at the University of Alabama commencement speech. #trump #nicksaban #kalendeboer #alabamafootball #donaldtrump
“Wow! I love the fact that he acknowledges our campus, football team and our great state of Alabama. Finally got a president that remembers us down here. ROLL TiDE!!,” one fan said.
“Thank you President Trump!!! Alabama loved you,” another fan said.
“I will never forget it. Love Saban and Trump,” said one fan.
“Dude Trump loves Alabama! He always brings up our state how much he loves this state!! Roll Tide,” said another fan.
“With Nick Saban as head Alabama coach it was all but impossible to beat Alabama in football. I agree, BRING NICK SABAN BACK!,” one fan demanded, despite DeBoer only being in charge for one season.
“I dont think it was a joke,” another fan said, suggesting that Trump was serious about Alabama bringing Saban out of retirement.
“The best thing Saban ever did was retire,” said one fan.
“I am leaving Tuscaloosa!,” said another fan who wasn’t happy to see the president on campus.
Saban appears to be content with his time away from football. He’s embraced a larger role as an analyst with ESPN, and travels weekly to its College GameDay broadcasts.
The network appears set to replace Lee Corso with Saban’s insight, adding a former coach’s perspective who’s competed in contemporary college football.
We’ll see what the future holds for both Trump and Saban, but after his exit from Alabama last year and his continued focus on other opportunities and aspects of his life, Saban seems to be truly content with his new job.
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