ESPN Hires Former Alabama Coach Nick Saban; Patriots Ex Belichick Next?

With no NFL head coaching vacancies left, former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick could follow Nick Saban into a TV career.

Nick Saban, the former Alabama head coach and longtime friend of Bill Belichick, has revealed the newest venture in his post-coaching career. 

As announced by ESPN on Wednesday, Saban will be the newest member of the network's College Gameday crew. He will join Rece Davis, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee on the road each Saturday to preview the upcoming slate of games. 

In addition, he will be featured on ESPN's coverage of the SEC Media Days and the NFL Draft. Saban becomes just the newest former coach to hang up the coaching headset for an earpiece and microphone as he transitions to the broadcasting side of the sport. But he certainly won't be the last, as many still wonder what the future holds for former New England Patriots coach Belichick.

Jan 22, 2020; Mobile, Alabama, USA; Alabama head coach Nick Saban at right talks with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.  / Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Despite being arguably the greatest coach of all time in the NFL, having led the Patriots to six Super Bowls in his 24 years as a coach and de facto general manager, Belichick is still unemployed following numerous reports that he isn't ready to retire.

That was seemingly confirmed by Belichick's interest in the Atlanta Falcons' opening, who, after three-straight 7-10 seasons, fired now-former coach Arthur Smith and were reportedly preparing to take a "big swing" at the 71-year-old.

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However, even after two official interviews for the job, a reported disagreement between the front office and team owner Arthur Blank saw the Falcons decide against hiring the six-time Super Bowl coach and hire former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris instead.

With all the coaching vacancies now filled, Belichick will be forced to take the year away from football before finding his next job. This leaves the possibility of Belichick joining Saban and many of his former players in the broadcasting world for a season.

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