Saban calls speculation about retirement 'laughable'

Alabama head coach Nick Saban dismissed speculation that he's planning to retire as "laughable."

"When's the first time you heard that I was gonna retire? That started about five years ago. I think it creates some advantages for people, whether it's in recruiting or whatever it might be," Saban said on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Thursday. "I love what I'm doing. I'm focused on the challenge.

"I've always said I don't want to ride the program down. I don't want to do this if I can't do it anymore. I feel great right now. I love it. We've got lots of challenges this season. I'm looking forward to it. We're all-in."

The 71-year-old has led the Crimson Tide to six national titles since his hire in 2007, including three BCS championships in his first six seasons. He's posted a 195-28 record, which includes a 62-7 mark over the past five seasons.

Saban's program has come under scrutiny since it missed the College Football Playoff last season with an 11-2 mark. Alabama suffered its first loss of this campaign last Saturday, falling 34-24 to Texas. It marked just the second nonconference loss at Bryant-Denny Stadium during Saban's tenure.

"We didn't play good. I'm responsible for that," he said Wednesday, per AL.com's Nick Alvarez.

In 2022, Saban signed an eight-year extension with Alabama worth around $93.6 million. The deal runs through February 2030, according to USA Today's Jordan Mendoza.