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Nick Saban reflects on career choice after Skip Bertman's advice

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 3:08 AM

Last updated Aug 15, 2026

Nick Saban reflects on career choice after Skip Bertman's advice

Summary

Nick Saban, speaking on 104.5 ESPN, recounted a pivotal conversation with LSU athletic director Skip Bertman before his move to Miami in 2004. Saban reflected on Bertman's question about his coaching legacy, which ultimately highlighted his later regret about leaving college football for the NFL. Bertman, a significant figure in college athletics, had advised Saban to focus on his legacy, prompting an introspective look back on a career that led Saban to return to college football at Alabama, where he achieved significant success. Saban's reflection came following Bertman's recent passing, marking a moment of remembrance for an influential mentor during Saban's early career.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Nick Saban discussed career regrets regarding his NFL stint.
•Skip Bertman advised Saban on his coaching legacy before his departure.
•Bertman transformed LSU baseball into a national powerhouse.
•Saban eventually returned to college football and found great success at Alabama.
•Bertman recently passed away at the age of 88.

Latest Updates

3:08 AMYahoo Sports — "Did Just the Opposite": Nick Saban Admits He Asked LSU Baseball Legend for Advice and Ignored It for Career Mistake He Regrets

What they're saying

"
Before Nick Saban packed his bags for Miami in late 2004, LSU athletic director Skip Bertman pulled him aside for a gut check. Bertman asked a simple question that should have made Saban stay put: What did he actually want his coaching legacy to look like? Saban gave a confident answer.
— Yahoo Sports

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