No one is ready to see what retirement did to Nick Saban. The stern coach was seen celebrating with his family- a rather unusual sight for the former Alabama coach. They were at Lake Burton- a reservoir in Georgia.

A picture posted by Kristen, Saban’s daughter, shows the former coach enjoying some quality time with his family. “Family 4th ❤️🇺🇸,” she wrote. The family was engaged in playing cornhole and soaking up the sun on a boat — all classic holiday activities. But what really stole the show? Saban’s new look! Gone are the years of clean-shaven professionalism. He’s sporting a cool stubble beard that screams “retirement chill.”

But Alabama fans can’t help but look back at his coaching days. What did Nick Saban’s face and Alabama’s recruitment have in common? Both had to be spotless! Yes, the former coach expected his assistants to work hard on recruitment and demanded the team keep the staff room clean. Similarly, he never missed a day to ensure his clean-shaven look. No doubt, his unsmiling face and unsparing attitude made him a polarizing figure.

Though he was famous for winning championships, he was also known to unleash his wrath on the referees and his players. Remember the 2008 BCS National Championship Game at The Rose Bowl? The Crimson Tide won, 37-21, against the Texas Longhorns. It was their first national championship in over a decade and hence, the coach was treated to a Gatorade shower. In the process, the Alabama players almost knocked out Saban with the bucket. The coach’s cold stare and annoyed demeanor even had the commentators on edge!

However, was there a reason behind why Nick Saban kept a clean-shaven look at Alabama? Yes! John Talty, in his book ‘The Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban,‘ stated that the coach had everyone’s roles defined. Right from the assistant coaches down to the janitors. Everyone. He believed every job there represented Alabama’s football program. Hence, everything that represented the program received detailed attention, and this included his own look.

But coming back to Saban’s retirement, this isn’t the first time he experimented with facial hair. Back in April, he was spotted with a goatee, enjoying some sunshine with his wife. Coach Saban is finally easing into his retirement, showing off a whole new side of himself to the world. And why not? After decades of high-pressure coaching and a whopping seven national championships, he’s definitely earned it. 

It looks like this change in appearance is just the tip of the iceberg. Saban’s entire post-retirement life seems to transition to a more relaxed, unburdened version of himself. And honestly, who can blame him?

Nick Saban’s incredible transformation will shock you!

Nicky Satan. The devil himself. That’s how Nick Saban was referred to a number of times. However, Kristen’s post seems to show no hints of Saban’s on-field (angry) personality.

Retirement is surely treating Nick Saban well, but it’s definitely an adjustment. The 72-year-old coach, known for his intense work ethic, initially seemed slightly bewildered by his newfound free time. A few months after hanging up his headset, he joked to the media, “I found out that if I do my chores, then I can go play golf.”

This hinted at his newfound love for golfing and a laid-back post-retirement life. He also noted how he’s embracing the simple things: making his bed, taking out the trash, and enjoying quality time with his family. His daughter, Kristen, even shared a picture on social media with the caption, “Parents at a Rolling Stones concert: check!” proving the ex-coach is keeping his finger on the pulse of pop culture.

But don’t expect a comprehensive overhaul. This workaholic coach isn’t all fun and games. He’s found a good work-life balance, taking on a role as an analyst for ESPN’s College Game Day. His 28 years of experience as a college football coach will surely come in handy.