Current:Home > MyNick Saban's daughter Kristen Saban Setas reflects on his retirement as Alabama coach -GrowthSphere Strategies
Nick Saban's daughter Kristen Saban Setas reflects on his retirement as Alabama coach
View
Date:2025-04-18 04:30:16
Nick Saban's retirement shook the college football world, and his daughter said the coach's decision to step down as the head coach of Alabama football is "bittersweet."
Kristen Saban Setas had some free time on Sunday and invited fans to an Ask Me Anything on her Instagram page. She answered a couple dozen questions via Instagram stories about the process behind her father's big announcement, her favorite memories at Bryant-Denny Stadium and more.
Saban announced his retirement on Wednesday evening. Setas, who has a brother named Nicholas, gave fans an insight into what her father's thought process was like that day. She said that she found out he officially made the decision "on my flight to Florida."
"That morning, my mom let me know that it was being heavily considered but wasn't 100% sure," she said. "I don't think my dad was completely set on it until he gave himself a few hours to make a decision and he made it."
Setas also said that her mother and Nick's wife, Terry, does not have dementia as has been rumored. Saban said earlier that neither he nor Terry were suffering from an illness that led to his decision to leave coaching.
"I don't know where this even came from but it's absurd," Setas said. "Everyone in the family is in good health. Don't believe everything you read."
Saban left after more than 50 years coaching football and leading Alabama to six national championships. This year, the Crimson Tide went 12-2, losing to Texas in their second game of the season and dealing with injuries throughout their campaign. Alabama made it to the College Football Playoff where they lost to eventual champion Michigan in the semifinal at the Rose Bowl.
"I had a weird sense of relief that we were not moving forward," Setas said. "The last season was one I will never forget for all the adversity the team faced and conquered, but like all others it had its hardships. I think a lot of us were starting to feel run-down and stressed, at least I know I was feeling that way. I kind of felt an end coming but didn't know when. All I know is I felt exhausted."
The Saban family moved to Tuscaloosa when Saban was named head coach of Alabama's football team in 2007. Setas, who attended the university as a student, said that she and her family are not planning on moving, noting that her son is in school and that Alabama is "home." She also said that she hasn't met new Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer and his family, but offered to "have a girl chat about all things Bama" with his two daughters.
She said that she's "almost certain" Saban will write another book, and the family is looking forward to quality time together.
"For my whole life I've shared him with the world," she said. "Now, I can finally just have him be 'Dad.'"
Setas acknowledged she will have to do some "soul searching" now that her life won't revolve around college football. When asked about what she's going to miss about Saban's coaching, Setas said, "Literally everything."
"The fast-paced lifestyle, the ups and downs of games, the energy from fans, the adrenaline of game day, seeing records and history being made, seeing him do the thing he loved the most," she said. "Everything."
veryGood! (39)
Related
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Julia Fox Alleges Kanye West Weaponized Her Against His Ex Kim Kardashian
- Georgia will be first state with medical marijuana in pharmacies
- Brenda Tracy granted restraining order stopping MSU coach Mel Tucker from releasing texts
- Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
- Police investigate the shooting death of man who often confronted alleged pedophiles
- You Can't Lose Seeing the Cast of Friday Night Lights Then and Now
- College football Week 6 games to watch: Oklahoma-Texas leads seven must-see contests
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Georgia investigators lost and damaged evidence in Macon murder case, judge rules
Ranking
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- Russian woman found living with needle in her brain after parents likely tried to kill her after birth during WWII, officials say
- Brothers Osborne say fourth album marks a fresh start in their country music journey: We've shared so much
- Garlic is in so many of our favorite foods, but is it good for you?
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Toddlers with developmental delays are missing out on help they need. It can hurt them long term
- A Baltic Sea gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia is shut down over a suspected leak
- Toddlers with developmental delays are missing out on help they need. It can hurt them long term
Recommendation
FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
Nearly 1,000 migrating songbirds perish after crashing into windows at Chicago exhibition hall
How David and Victoria Beckham's Marriage Survived and Thrived After Scandal
Palestinian militants launch dozens of rockets into Israel. Sirens are heard across the country
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
How will America respond to the attack against Israel?
Vermont police search for armed and dangerous suspect after woman found dead on popular trail
Lionel Messi may play Saturday, Inter Miami hints in social media post