President Donald Trump has announced the appointment of legendary Alabama football coach Nick Saban as the nation’s first “Sports and Athletics Advisor” to the White House.
In a statement released early Wednesday, Trump praised Saban’s unparalleled success on the field, highlighting the coach’s record seven national championships and his reputation for instilling discipline and a winning mentality. “Nick Saban is a winner. He built dynasties, turned programs around, and always put excellence first.
That’s exactly what we need in America right now—a champion mindset applied to our national priorities,” Trump said. The president-elect described the new role as a key advisory position focused on promoting physical fitness, youth sports development, competitive integrity in athletics, and using sports as a tool to foster national unity and resilience.
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about the intersection of sports and policy, particularly in college athletics. Saban, who retired from coaching in January 2024 after a storied career at Alabama, has remained influential in the sport. He currently serves as an ESPN analyst on “College GameDay” and in an advisory capacity for Alabama athletics.
Recent reports indicate Saban has engaged with Trump on multiple occasions, including a meeting in Tuscaloosa during Trump’s commencement address at the University of Alabama and a recent golf outing alongside figures like former coach Urban Meyer and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Sources close to the transition team emphasize that the position is not a formal cabinet-level post but an advisory one, similar to other specialized roles created in past administrations. Trump cited Saban’s “process-driven approach” as ideal for addressing issues like declining youth participation in sports, the impact of technology on young athletes, and promoting American competitiveness on the global stage in events like the Olympics. “Sports build character, teamwork, and toughness—qualities we want in every American,” Trump added.
The pick has proven controversial. Critics argue that appointing a high-profile figure from college football to a White House advisory role blurs lines between entertainment, education, and government policy.
Some Democratic lawmakers and sports governance experts have questioned the need for such a position, calling it symbolic rather than substantive. “This seems more like a headline grab than serious policy,” one congressional aide remarked anonymously. Others point to Saban’s past criticisms of the current state of college sports—particularly name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and revenue-sharing models—as potentially influencing a broader agenda on athlete compensation and amateurism.
Saban has not yet publicly commented extensively on the appointment, though he has previously expressed appreciation for Trump’s interest in college athletics. In earlier interviews, Saban noted Trump’s enthusiasm for sports and his desire to address perceived chaos in the industry. Supporters, including many in the college football community, view the move positively, seeing Saban’s discipline and leadership as assets for national initiatives.
Collaboration with current federal agencies, such as the Department of Education and Health and Human Services, on initiatives supporting school sports, obesity prevention, and international athletic exchanges is anticipated as part of the function. Saban would start conversations shortly after Inauguration Day, according to transition officials.
Trump’s propensity for outsiders with established track records in their industries is reflected in this selection, which joins an increasing number of unorthodox choices in his cabinet and advisory roster. It remains to be seen if Saban’s winning record can translate into successful policy, but the revelation has already sparked intense debate in both the political and athletic sectors.
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