Nick Saban retired from Alabama for this reason, ex-NFL star Shawne Merriman says

Clay Travis joined OutKick's ‘Hot Mic’ to discuss Nick Saban's retirement.

Nick Saban left the college football world in awe one final time Tuesday with reports he would retire as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Former NFL star Shawne Merriman told Fox News Digital he wasn’t among those stunned about the news. 

He said the changing college football landscape was likely why Saban was stepping down.

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Shawne Merriman attends the 15th annual Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards at Sahara Las Vegas Dec. 14, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)

"It’s a shock to some people out here, but I’m not shocked at all," he said. "He’ll go down as probably the greatest college coach ever. But the timing of his departure is because college football has changed,. It’s not the same anymore. 

"He’s all about legacy, and he knows, because the college landscape has changed now with NIL and everything going on, he’s going to put a black eye on his legacy because Alabama isn’t getting the five-star recruits anymore.

"In my opinion, that is the only reason he is making a departure and retiring."

The former Maryland standout, who is preparing to run Lights Out Extreme Fighting 14 in Long Beach, California, Feb. 16, said he believed there’s a number of people who could be in line for the job, including Mike Vrabel. 

The former Tennessee Titans head coach just parted ways with the NFL organization.

Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide before the SEC championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Dec. 4, 2021, in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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