Alabama’s Nick Saban calls 2021 season a ‘rebuilding year’

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An overall record of 13-2, an SEC championship and a trip to college football's national championship would usually be considered one of the most successful seasons in a program's history. 

Not for Alabama. Not for head coach Nick Saban. 

Alabama head coach Nick Saban speaks during SEC Media Days July 19, 2022, in Atlanta.  (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

"Last year, we had kind of a rebuilding year," Saban said Wednesday on "McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning." 

Alabama entered the 2021 season the preseason No. 1, losing just one regular season game to Texas A&M in October. In the SEC championship game against undefeated and No. 1 Georgia, the Crimson Tide rolled, beating the Bulldogs 41-24. 

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In the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs, Alabama easily handled undefeated Cincinnati to advance to its sixth CFP final before losing to Georgia. 

Alabama coach Nick Saban watches players warm up for the College Football Playoff national championship game against Georgia Jan. 10, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

"We should have nine starters back on offense, nine on defense but six guys go out early for the draft, so now we have five back on offense and seven back on defense," Saban continued. 

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"That, in and of itself, creates a few more question marks. But it also creates opportunity for other players to be able to shine in the program and contribute in a positive way. So, nobody knows for sure how this stuff is going to come to fruition, but that’s part of the excitement and challenge we have