Nick Saban stunned the college football world for the last time on Tuesday with reports that he was retiring as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Former NFL star Shawne Merriman told Fox News Digital that he was not among those surprised by the news.
He said the changing landscape of college football was likely the reason Saban was resigning.
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Shawne Merriman attends the 15th Annual Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards at Sahara Las Vegas on December 14, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)
“It's a shock to some people here, but it doesn't surprise me at all,” he said. “He'll probably go down as the greatest college coach of all time. But the timing of his departure is because college football has changed. It's not the same.
“It's about legacy, and he knows that because the college landscape has changed now with NIL and everything that's going on, it's going to put a black eye on his legacy because Alabama won't be getting five-star recruits anymore.
“In my opinion, that's the only reason he's leaving and retiring.”
The former Maryland standout, who is preparing to head up Lights Out Extreme Fighting 14 in Long Beach, California, on Feb. 16, said he believes there are several people who could be in line for the job, including Mike Vrabel.
The former Tennessee Titans head coach just parted ways with the NFL organization.
Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide before the SEC championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 4, 2021 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Saban is considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. He spent 17 seasons with Alabama and won seven college football national championships between LSU and Alabama and 11 SEC championships.
He will finish his college career with a record of 292-71-1.
“The University of Alabama has been a very special place for Terry and me,” Saban said in a statement, referring to his wife. “We have enjoyed every minute of our 17 years as Alabama's head coach, as well as becoming part of the Tuscaloosa community.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban answers questions from the media at the Heisman Trophy press conference at the Marriott Marquis on December 11, 2021 in New York City. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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“It's not just about how many games we won and lost, but the legacy and how we did it. We always tried to do it the right way. The goal was always to help players create more value for their future. Be the best player that they could be and be more successful in life because they were a part of the program. Hopefully, we have and will always consider Alabama home.”
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