In a move that has surprised many, Nick Saban, the college football coach who has won seven national championships, has joined the NHL’s Nashville Predators as a minority owner. The former Alabama head coach said he is not an expert in hockey but brings a winning culture to the organization. Saban’s arrival comes after his retirement from football on January 10, 2024, and signals a new chapter for the franchise.
Nick Saban’s coaching résumé is built on a foundation of building successful programs. He has led Alabama to seven national titles and spent six seasons in the NFL, first as an assistant under Bill Belichick in Cleveland and then as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. In his own words, he considers himself a “transformational leader” who can apply football principles to any sport.
“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,” Saban said Monday. “But I do have a pretty good idea of what it takes to have successful organizations.” The statement set the tone for his role with the Predators.
Saban made his first appearance on Monday in his new role as a minority owner, standing beside Predators chairman Bill Haslam. The event marked the formal introduction of the former coach to the organization’s leadership circle.
The Predators announced Saban’s purchase on December 16 through Dream Sports Ventures LLC, an entity controlled by Saban and business partner Joe Agresti. The announcement confirmed the ownership stake and the collaborative intent.
Dream Sports Ventures also operates a portfolio of 10 car dealerships, including two located in Nashville. The company’s business reach extends beyond sports, giving Saban a diverse background in management.
Prior to the announcement, Haslam, a former Tennessee governor, was exploring a possible WNBA expansion franchise. During that period, Saban approached the controlling owner about his interest in hockey.
“I thought, ‘Well, that’s the greatest no brainer of all time,'” Haslam said. “You have somebody who understands building a championship culture, who understands, I think, better than almost anybody in sports the process that’s needed to get to where you can compete as a champion.” The comment underscored Haslam’s confidence in Saban’s expertise.
Saban grew up in West Virginia, where hockey was not a common sport. He first encountered the game while coaching at Michigan State, where he developed friendships and shared ideas with the team’s coach.
The experience at Michigan State sparked Saban’s interest in hockey, giving him a unique perspective as he considered involvement with a team for the first time since his retirement.
Saban announced his retirement from football on January 10, 2024, marking the end of a long and decorated career. His move to the Predators represents a new opportunity in a different sport.
Saban’s track record includes building programs in college football and the NFL, where he worked for six seasons under Bill Belichick and as head coach of Miami. His approach focuses on culture, discipline, and execution.
During his NFL tenure, Saban contributed to team development and strategy, gaining insights that he believes can translate to hockey operations.
In interviews, Saban has described himself as a “transformational leader,” a role that emphasizes change, motivation, and performance improvement across all levels of an organization.
Once the college football season ends, Saban said he will be involved as much as Haslam wants, indicating a flexible and supportive partnership with the Predators’ leadership.
Saban has already spoken to coaches and some players during what he called a minicamp, signaling an active engagement with the team’s talent pipeline.
The minicamp sessions provided an opportunity for Saban to observe the coaching staff’s methods and the players’ work ethic, allowing him to assess areas where he could add value.
Saban also has met a couple of times with general manager Barry Trotz, stating his goal is to support Trotz and everyone else with the Predators. The meetings suggest a collaborative approach to the organization’s future.
Nashville won the Western Conference before losing the Stanley Cup Final in 2017 to Pittsburgh in six games. The Predators also earned the Presidents’ Trophy for the 2017-18 season.
The 2017 Western Conference title highlighted the team’s competitive edge, though the final series ended in a loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The six-game series against Pittsburgh in 2017 remains a defining moment in the franchise’s history, illustrating both success and the need for continued improvement.
Despite the 2017-18 Presidents’ Trophy, the Predators finished the season ranked 26th out of 32 NHL teams, five points back of the second wild-card spot in the West.
On Monday, the team’s standing was 26th, reflecting the challenges the franchise faces as it seeks to return to playoff contention.
“To be a part of the hockey team here is something special, and we’d love to build it into a championship,” Saban said. “We’d love to partner with Mr. Haslam to do anything that we can do to help this organization be successful.” The statement emphasized his commitment to the Predators’ aspirations.
Saban’s partnership with Haslam focuses on leveraging his experience to support the organization’s growth, with both leaders expressing a shared vision for success.
- Nick Saban joins the Nashville Predators as a minority owner, bringing a championship mindset from football.
- Saban’s ownership stake was announced on December 16 through Dream Sports Ventures LLC, linked to a business group of 10 car dealerships.
- He has already met with GM Barry Trotz and participated in a minicamp, showing active involvement in team operations.
Nick Saban’s entry into the NHL marks a notable crossover of sports leadership, as he applies his proven coaching philosophy to a new arena. With a clear focus on building a championship culture, the Predators now have an experienced partner eager to help the franchise achieve its goals.
