Nick Saban may have hung up the headset in Tuscaloosa, but if you caught daughter Kristen’s latest Instagram story, it sure looks like the legendary coach could be back. Just not in the kind of arena you’d expect. After decades of pacing the sideline and sculpting Alabama into a colossus, the GOAT might now be trading playbooks for pins in a new chapter that’s less about national titles and more about grandkid giggles.

Kristen Saban Setas, who married Adam Setas and welcomed their son in 2020, gave fans a heartwarming glimpse into Nick Saban’s post-retirement life. It’s exactly the kind of soft landing that still has his trademark intensity. James Nickolas Setas, who just turned five on April 27, celebrated his birthday on a soccer field, capping the day with a party that any pint-sized athlete would cherish. But the real show came later….at a local bowling alley. That’s where GOAT grandpa Saban took the reins. It wasn’t a defense; it was just a gaggle of kids learning to aim straight. Kristen summed it up with a three-word mic-drop moment that feels like a mission statement for her father’s second act: “Never not coaching.”

That one post says everything. Whether it’s breaking down SEC defensive schemes or helping a five-year-old find his bowling rhythm, Nick Saban is wired to teach, to guide, and to win. Even if the stakes are only bumper lanes and birthday cake.

Saban once confessed, “I just melt around the grandkids,” and he often spends time with his eldest grandchild, Nicholas’ daughter Amelie, and Kristen’s son, James, aka Jamie. True to form, the GOAT makes sure his grandkids get into sports, with James often joining him on the golf course or learning softball’s nitty-gritty from him.

But beyond the laughter and bowling balls was a genuinely heartfelt family moment that also painted a beautiful legacy of growth, joy, and generational love. Kristen shared a touching tribute to her son on Instagram, chronicling James’s five-year journey with a collage of photos—from tiny hospital swaddles to action shots on the soccer field.

One frame even featured Nick and his wife, Terry, both smiling proudly alongside their grandson. Her caption struck a sentimental chord: “James Nickolas Setas, you are the joy of my life. Happy 5th birthday, big boy! There’s no one like you.” It’s the kind of tribute that makes you pause—because behind every GOAT is a family.

Kristen herself has long been connected to the heartbeat of the Alabama program. In 2020, she officially joined the Nick’s Kids Foundation full-time, helping carry on the charitable work her parents began. Today, she sits on the board of directors, continuing the Saban family’s off-the-field impact across Alabama communities. That sense of purpose and legacy has become a defining part of the family brand.

As for Nick Saban’s post-retirement life, he hasn’t exactly faded into the background. ESPN snatched him up almost immediately, locking him in as a College GameDay analyst starting with the 2024 season. And fittingly, his next honor will be one for the history books. Saban is set to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2025.

The one that got away: Nick Saban reflects on missing out on Judkins

Nick Saban may be enjoying a little more family time these days, but his football mind is still sharp—and honest. During ABC’s NFL Draft telecast on Friday, the legendary former Alabama coach opened up about a big-time miss from his recruiting days: Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins.

Judkins was selected No. 36 overall by the Cleveland Browns, and Saban didn’t hold back with his thoughts. “Well, he’s another one of those recruits that we never got,” Saban admitted. That’s a rare bit of regret from the famously tight-lipped coach, but it shows just how much he valued Judkins’ talent.

“This guy is a banger. I mean, he is a downhill runner. He’s got great instincts to read, to make lateral cuts, and burst and accelerate. Got great vision,” Saban said, practically giving a scouting report on air. He did point out one small knock—“the one thing this guy doesn’t have is great finishing speed”—but the respect in his voice was loud and clear. Judkins’ mix of power, vision, and quick decision-making clearly left a lasting impression on Saban.