Why Nick Saban was DENIED entry into SEC Media Days following legendary Alabama coach's retirement

Nick Saban has been at every SEC Media Days since taking the helm at Alabama in 2007. That includes this year, even after his retirement from coaching. 

The legendary Crimson Tide leader still was on the premises in Dallas for the college-football extravaganza, six months after stepping down at Alabama.  

Saban is now an analyst for ESPN, and its affiliate networks, such as the SEC Network, which will air all four SEC Media Days this week. 

The 72-year-old Saban was originally denied access to the ballrooms where he say behind broadcast tables because he forgot his credential in his hotel room. 

Every availability took place at the Omni hotel in Dallas, meaning Saban could go back up the elevator to retrieve his press pass and continue with his new gig. 

Why did a security guard let arguably the most recognizable person in college sports by without confirming his identity? 

Whoever that person was played it by the book, as Saban said he was not upset being denied access to the main stage at SEC Media Days at first. 

To a television viewer, there was no issue. By the time SEC Network was live from Dallas, Saban was in the middle of the panel where he was supposed to be seated. 

'It's a little different,' Saban said on attending SEC Media Days not as a head coach. 

'I've never worn a credential in my life,' Saban continued. 'And was always for 17 years able to get into SEC Media Days without a credential.' 

'I had to go back to the room today and get my credential to get in. That's one of the biggest changes I see is, it's not like it used to be,' Saban concluded. 

Saban was at SEC Media Days talking from multiple lecterns when the news broke of Oklahoma and Texas joining the conference occurred during the annual event in 2021. 

Now, Saban is part of the media covering the Sooners and Longhorns first appearances as part of the 16-team league.