Legendary college football coach Nick Saban has acquired a minority stake in the Nashville Predators through his venture Dream Sports LLC, alongside partner Joe Agresti. The 74-year-old, who retired from the University of Alabama in January 2024, aims to help foster a winning culture without involvement in daily operations. Saban expressed excitement about contributing to the team's championship aspirations in Nashville.
Nick Saban, renowned for winning seven national championships in college football—six at Alabama and one at Louisiana State University—announced his new role with the Predators on December 16, 2024. With a coaching record of 297-71-1 over 28 seasons, Saban brings extensive experience, including NFL stints as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns from 1991 to 1994 and head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2005 and 2006.
Speaking to media on December 22 alongside Predators chairman and majority owner Bill Haslam, Saban emphasized his desire to remain part of a team after retirement. "It’s more about the challenge of how can we help the team rebuild, get better, have a chance to compete for a championship?" Saban said. He clarified he lacks hockey expertise and will not coach or influence on-ice decisions, instead focusing on organizational development. "What it takes to be successful is really pretty much the same in business as it is in sports... how do you build an organization that has the best chance to be successful?" he added.
Saban's interest in the Predators stemmed from attending their 2017 Stanley Cup Final and his existing business ties in Nashville. The team, in its 27th NHL season, has yet to win the Cup, reaching the final once in 2017 with a six-game loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins and last advancing in playoffs in 2018. Currently holding a 15-16-4 record, the Predators sit sixth in the Central Division, five points from a wild-card spot, following recent wins: 5-3 over the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 20 and 2-1 against the New York Rangers on December 21.
Haslam praised Saban's championship pedigree, noting, "You have somebody who understands building the championship culture... better than almost anybody in sports." Saban plans to support general manager Barry Trotz and the staff behind the scenes, promoting a "process" for success. He even shared that his wife, Terry, has shown newfound interest in Predators games, underscoring the personal commitment. Saban's involvement aligns with the franchise's goal to deliver a title to passionate Nashville fans.
