Saban Talks Quarterbacks, SEC Spring Meetings at Nick's Kids Charity Event

Saban hosted the Nick's Kids Golf Tournament at Old Overton Club in Birmingham, Ala. on Tuesday morning.

Austin Hannon | May 23, 2023

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Alabama Crimson Tide

VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. — With football season still three months away, Alabama head coach Nick Saban is still traveling and hosting charity events in what is a short offseason for the Crimson Tide's legendary head coach.

Just last week, Saban was seen in Rome, Italy — greeting Alabama fans and appearing all over social media.

On Tuesday morning, Saban was hosting a charity golf tournament at Old Overton Club in Vestavia Hills, Ala. for Nick's Kids — Nick and Terry Saban's main charity. Nick's Kids has helped raise nearly $12 million in since 2007.

"Excited to be here today," Saban said. "Hopefully we get a little bit better weather. [...] This is an annual event we certainly look forward to. Nick's Kids has been something that we've been able to contribute to the community in a lot of different ways. Miss Terry has done a fantastic job of over $12 million contributed to the community. She's finishing her 20th [Habitat for Humanity] house, various other kids organizations. The Saban Center is obviously a big project for the future which will really enhance education in technology, math [and] science for young people. [...] The community has been great to us and we certainly appreciate the support that all the folks here that support Nick's Kids have given us through the years. [...] It's great to be associated with the state of Alabama and The University of Alabama."

Obviously, Saban had to talk a little football. The quarterback controversy was quickly a topic of discussion.

"I think we'll have to get well-organized in terms of how we distribute the reps," Saban said. "It's good to have competition on the team. Hopefully the competition will make everyone better."

"I think everything is important. We've done Zoom's with our team this month even though coaches are on the road. [...] Always trying to figure out — how can we teach better? How can guys learn better?"

College football is changing every day. With SEC spring meetings beginning on May 30, Saban talked about his potential points of emphasis going into Destin next week.

"There's some rule changes — trying to speed up the game," Saban said. "I think everybody is concerned about the state of college football. [...] How do we put some parameters on some of the things that are happening and some of the things that can create competitive advantages for certain schools."

"We're still trying to emphasize the fact that you go to college to create value for your future. Developing as a person, as a student, developing a career on or off the field are still the things that are the most valuable for your future. [...] I think it's great that the players can make money on name, image and likeness. I just think we've got to be careful about getting to 'pay for play.'"

Something is still working for Saban and the Crimson Tide. Alabama had far and away the best recruiting class in 2023 and brought in several transfers over the past few months.

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