Donald Trump Moves Fast on College Sports Commission, Taps Nick Saban as Co-Chair
Donald Trump is known for acting quickly once he sets his mind on something, and his latest move proves no different. He is reportedly launching a new Presidential Commission focused on college sports, with the aim of addressing issues impacting student-athletes nationwide.
In a surprising twist, Trump is expected to name legendary Alabama football coach Nick Saban as co-chair of the commission. According to The Athletic, Saban will serve alongside a well-connected businessman with strong ties to the college sports world. The news broke Wednesday night and immediately drew national attention.
Saban and Trump have a friendly relationship, most recently appearing together at Alabama’s spring commencement ceremony. The two reportedly share concerns about the rapidly changing college sports landscape—especially the effects of NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals on student-athletes. While Saban retired from coaching in January 2024, he’s been outspoken about the direction college athletics is heading.
Per The Wall Street Journal, it was Saban who encouraged Trump to get involved in reforming college sports. Although he has said NIL wasn’t a factor in his retirement, Saban has publicly criticized how it’s being implemented. That push seems to have helped motivate Trump’s creation of the new commission.
Since leaving the sidelines, Saban has become a fan-favorite analyst for ESPN, earning praise for his insight and charisma. But now, he’s preparing for a different kind of leadership—this time, in the political and policy arena, working closely with Trump.
For Alabama fans and college sports followers, this unexpected partnership signals a new chapter for both Saban and college athletics at large.
Leave a Reply