Alabama enthusiasts and college football fans everywhere just had their worlds rocked. Nick Saban is out in Tuscaloosa. This will affect college football odds shown in our betting apps.

There was no season-long send-off, no farewell parade with gifts and speeches and announcements every step of the way. Just a brief statement. After 17 seasons and six National Championships with the Crimson Tide, Saban simply decided it was time to walk away and retire at age 72. 

It often feels as though figures so intrinsically wound into the fabric of their sport will play or coach forever, or as long as they’re physically able. It will be jarring to see the Crimson Tide take the field without Saban when they open the 2024 season on Aug. 31 against Western Kentucky at Bryant-Denny Stadium. 

But then the clock will start and the players will collide and eventually, it won’t seem weird at all, really, with Saban slipping into college football lore as opposed to being an active participant. 

While most figured he had a few good years left, there’s certainly something to be said for going out on your own terms. It was just time. 

His departure certainly has a few coaching peers in their twilight years pondering their own futures. There are only so many active legends in the coaching world, and the most successful of all just stepped away.  If these retirements happen, would it affect your NFL picks or college football picks ?

It’s a good reminder to appreciate the good times while they last. Looking at some of the other top coaches in sports, it likely won’t be long before another historic figure decides to follow in Saban’s footsteps and walk away. 

Next Coaching Legend To Retire Odds

Odds are projected and do not reflect odds that may be available at legal betting sites.

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Is It the Final Act For One Of This Coaching Legends?

Looking around the sports world at some of the most accomplished, longest-tenured coaches, few stick out as much as Chiefs coach Andy Reid. The three-time Super Bowl champion is in his 25^th season as an NFL head coach and 11^th in Kansas City. And there have been whispers for some time that Reid doesn’t intend to do this much longer. 

He’s younger than most coaches on the list at age 65, but burnout is especially prominent among NFL coaches in later years. Especially considering what it takes to build a dynasty like the one Reid has constructed with the Chiefs. 

With the Chiefs preparing for another postseason run, this may be the last dance for Reid and Patrick Mahomes and Co. 

RELATED: Alabama Crimson Tide Head Coach Odds: Who Will Replace Nick Saban?

Reid’s accomplishments among current pro coaches are matched only by a few individuals – most notably, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and former Patriots coach Bill Belichick. 

Popovich is now 74 and has won five championships with San Antonio, but he hasn’t been to the NBA Finals since 2014. Perhaps that has something to do with the fact that he’s stuck around this long. He did sign a five-year contract last summer, so he could be in it for the long haul. But Saban recently signed a big extension as well and that didn’t stop him from knowing when the time came. 

While news of Belichick’s departure from New England wasn’t exactly a shocker given how things have developed in recent years, it’s still disorienting to see him listed as the former Patriots coach. This is a guy who won six Super Bowls and broke every record along the way. While he’s likely getting close to retirement at age 71, there is one incentive to stay around for another few years. 

Belichick is currently sitting at third all-time with 302 NFL victories – 16 short of George Halas and 26 behind leader Don Shula. While he’s won more Super Bowls than any of them, those figures have to be in the back of his mind as he ponders his next move with several NFL vacancies. 

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2024 Coaching Crossroads

As for the college game, one of Saban’s old Michigan State colleagues is certainly nearing the end of the road. Tom Izzo is in his 29^th season with the Spartans and was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame back in 2016. He’s off to a tough start this season with Michigan State now 9-7 overall and 1-4 in Big Ten play.

His record-setting streak of 25 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances is in jeopardy, and we highly doubt he’d hang it up on this note. Izzo has eight Final Four appearances and has been chasing a second National Championship since 2000. It’s possible won’t rest until he gets back, or close at least. 

Our youngest coach on the list, Steve Kerr, is just 58. But he’s already won four championships with the Golden State Warriors and dealt with plenty of adversity in recent seasons. Kerr recently stepped down as Team USA coach and his contract is up at the end of the year. 

With the Warriors below .500 and in danger of missing the playoffs for the third time in five seasons, there’s no telling what kind of toll it’s taken on Kerr personally as he deals with the highest of expectations year after year. 

The time will come for all of these coaches at some point, just as it did for Saban. But it’s important to remember they weren’t always legends. They were once first-year coaches who were given an opportunity and went on to seize it, through all the many ups and downs. 

Sooner or later we’ll have a new wave of young, hungry coaches looking to join their ranks. 

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