How Nick Saban's exit affects Alabama players and the transfer portal

The news of Nick Saban's surprise retirement not only puts Alabama's coaching situation in flux, but also its ability to keep the roster intact

Coaching changes always cause some confusion and realignment in college football at the end of every season, but no decision will have as much impact now, or arguably in the future, than the bombshell announcement that NCAA record seven-time national champion Nick Saban retired from the game.

Not only will Alabama have to assemble a search party for the ages to find a replacement for the man called the greatest coach in college football history, but the move will also have a direct effect on the Crimson Tide's roster going forward.

Time is of the essence, as evidenced by the quick decision of 5-star wide receiver prospect Ryan Williams, who announced his de-commitment from Alabama. But what about other players already on the roster. Can they transfer out of the program, even after the close of the winter portal window?

How transfer rules apply to Alabama now

The college football transfer portal closed its winter window officially on Jan. 2, but that won't stop Alabama players from entering the portal if they want.

That's because of an NCAA rule that allows players whose head coach departed the program to add their names to the portal, but only up to 30 days after the coach leaves. Saban retired on Jan. 10, meaning his players have until Feb. 9 to enter their names into the national database.

And while the SEC has a rule in place that disallows intra-conference transfers at the end of the national portal window close on Jan. 2, the conference also allows for an exemption when a school changes coaches.

Should there be a sizable exodus from the Alabama program, other schools would be eager to pounce. 

Saban established an almost-unmatched standard for recruiting excellence, and his rosters are chock-full of athletes any other program would jump to sign.

And now they're all technically available to transfer.

That includes any players who signed with Alabama as part of its 2024 recruiting class. Those who have already signed their National Letter of Intent and are students enrolled at the school are eligible to enter the transfer portal, as well.

Players who signed their NLI but have not yet enrolled at the school would have to be released from their letters of intent to find another program if they wish.

Where Alabama goes now

Given the football program's resources and recent success, Alabama should be able to hold onto the majority of its existing talent. 

But if it doesn't, Saban's successor could face some roster uncertainty leading into the 2024 preseason.

Alabama won't have a ton of opportunities to attract the premier talent available in the portal given it's closed right now and doesn't open again until the spring window in April. 

Bama needs to present a convincing case to keep its store of talent. And to do that, it has to find the right coach to replace Saban — and do so credibly in the short time that exists between now and the A-Day spring game.

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