From Football to Hockey: Nick Saban’s New Role with the Nashville Predators

In a surprising post-retirement move, legendary college football coach Nick Saban has transitioned from the gridiron to the ice rink. On December 16, 2025, the Nashville Predators announced that Saban, along with business partner Joe Agresti, purchased a minority ownership stake in the NHL franchise through their entity, Dream Sports Ventures LLC.

Saban, who retired from coaching Alabama in January 2024 after winning seven national championships (six at Alabama, one at LSU), joins a passionate ownership group led by chairman and majority owner Bill Haslam, the former Tennessee governor. This marks Saban’s entry into professional sports ownership, blending his championship pedigree with Nashville’s growing hockey scene.

How the Deal Came Together

Discussions began in 2024 when Haslam explored bringing a WNBA team to Nashville. Saban expressed interest in that venture but pivoted to hockey when the WNBA bid didn’t materialize. Haslam called it a “no-brainer,” praising Saban’s expertise in building championship cultures.

Saban and Agresti, partners since 2013 in ventures like the Dream Motor Group (which owns multiple car dealerships, including two in Nashville), saw the Predators as an ideal fit. “Being involved in a sports team in Nashville has always been a goal,” Saban said in a statement. He highlighted the team’s strong brand and the city’s growth as key factors.

Saban’s Role: Leadership and Support, Not Coaching

Saban has been clear: he’s not stepping into hockey operations or coaching. “I’m no expert in hockey, so don’t look at me like I’m going to make some huge impact coaching around here because that’s not going to happen,” he said at his introductory press conference on December 22, 2025.

Instead, Saban aims to act as a transformational leader, drawing on his experience to foster a winning mindset. He plans to:

• Support general manager Barry Trotz and the coaching staff
• Help players develop competitive character and psychological edge
• Contribute to organizational processes that drive success

Saban has already engaged with the team, speaking to players and coaches during a “minicamp” and meeting multiple times with Trotz. His involvement will ramp up after the college football season ends, as much as Haslam desires—Haslam jokingly said he’d prefer Saban spend less time golfing and more around the rink.

Why Hockey? Saban’s Growing Interest

Though Saban grew up in West Virginia with little exposure to hockey (“We didn’t have any ice skates”), his interest sparked while coaching at Michigan State, where he befriended the hockey coach and exchanged leadership ideas. He’s attended Predators games, including a Stanley Cup Final, and appreciates the team’s passionate fanbase in Bridgestone Arena.

The Predators, who reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2017 (losing to Pittsburgh), are in a rebuilding phase. Saban sees an opportunity to help elevate them: “We’d love to build it into a championship.”

Reactions and Implications

Haslam enthusiastically welcomed Saban: “Coach is one of the all-time greats… We are excited to have him join us in our pursuit of championships on the ice.”

Fans and analysts view this as a boost for the Predators, bringing proven winning expertise to a franchise hungry for its first Stanley Cup. For Saban, now 74 and an ESPN College GameDay analyst, it satisfies his competitive drive and fear of post-retirement isolation from team environments.

This crossover from football royalty to NHL ownership adds another chapter to Saban’s storied legacy, proving his “process” transcends sports. As “Smashville” gears up, expect Saban’s influence to focus on culture, accountability, and chasing that elusive title