Nick Saban isn’t surprised by the wave of in-season coaching firings happening across the country. With nine head coaches already let go this season, six from Power 4 programs, Saban believes this trend is a direct result of the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era. According to him, the influx of donor money has led to increased pressure on athletic departments from people who now feel entitled to have a voice in major decisions.
"“You know, I’m not [surprised] because everybody’s raising money to pay players,” Saban said. “So, the people that are giving the money think they have a voice and they’re just like a bunch of fans.