On the first day of his retirement, in the wake of a legendary coaching career, Nick Saban was

He wasn’t planning a vacation, playing golf, or even staying up an additional hour. He was driving to work, as he had done every morning for the previous seventeen years as the football coach at Alabama; he was usually at the office by seven twenty a.m. at the latest.

In his first public remarks since announcing his retirement on Wednesday, Nick Saban told ESPN, “I want to be there for the players, for the coaches, anything I can do to support them during this transition.” The announcement stunned even those closest to Saban within the Alabama program and sent shockwaves through the sports world.

“As we proceed, there are numerous things to tidy up and assist with. In one way or another, I will still be present here at the institution, and I’m still figuring that out. This location will always hold a special place in Miss Terry’s and my hearts.”

On Wednesday, at a 4 p.m. team room meeting, Saban announced his retirement to his players and staff. The conversation lasted less than ten minutes, and Saban stated that he felt it was crucial that they receive the news from him first.

“My intention was for them to understand the significance they held for me,” stated Saban, the six-time national champion at Alabama and subsequent winner at LSU. It was difficult in every way. It’s been difficult these past several days. However, notice how similar it is to what I told the players. Whether it was recruiting or hiring coaches, now that we have people leaving, the same old problem always sort of came up: How long are you going to do this for? I was going to go in there and ask them to get 100 percent committed to coming back and trying to win a championship, but I’ve always said that I didn’t want to ride the program down.”

Allen remarked, “This is one of those days you knew was coming, but when it arrives, you’re still a little shocked that it’s finally here.” “We’ve been able to absorb everything because of the way he’s handled it, but I wouldn’t say it was a grieving process because he’s still with us. He wants to remain a part of this place, which is why he is in the workplace today. Being with him this morning and listening to him discuss how crucial it was for Alabama to maintain its success made the experience very memorable for me. For all of us who are here, adore this area, and want to see what he’s created flourish, that means the world.”