Nick Saban is still adjusting to his post-coaching life.
The former Alabama football coach — who joined ESPN as an analyst after he announced his retirement in January — said he was denied entry at SEC media day in Dallas because he didn’t have his media credential.
During an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up,” the 72-year-old Saban laughed while explaining that SEC media is “a little different” as a member of the media.
“I’ve never worn a credential in my life and was always, for 17 years [as head coach at Alabama], able to get into SEC Media Days without a credential,” Saban said. “I had to go back to the room today and get my credential to get in.
“So that’s one of the biggest changes I see. It’s not like it used to be.”
Saban primarily serves as a football analyst on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” alongside Rece Davis, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee — but he appears across a number of the network’s platforms.
He also works special events, such as the NFL draft and SEC media days.
Saban won seven national championships, including six at Alabama and one at LSU — and 11 SEC championships, nine with the Crimson Tide and two at LSU.
He spent 28 years as a head coach at the college level: Alabama (2007-23), LSU (2000-04), Michigan State (1995-99) and Toledo (1990).
Saban was also head coach of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins (2005-06).