Nick Saban’s ‘College GameDay’ Appearance: Cutting Up with Former Assistants Kirby Smart and Steve Sarkisian on the Creation of the Big3 Foundation
In a rare, lighthearted moment on ESPN’s College GameDay, three of college football’s most successful coaches—Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, and Steve Sarkisian—came together not just as competitors, but as friends, mentors, and former colleagues. The setting was perfect for a jovial exchange that highlighted both the camaraderie and professional bonds that have shaped their careers. Their appearance on GameDay was a celebration of football’s broader impact, the relationships formed along the way, and a new venture they’ve come together to support—the creation of the Big3 Foundation.
For many fans, the idea of seeing these three coaching giants together on a national stage is a rare occurrence, especially given their intense rivalries in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Nick Saban, the legendary head coach of Alabama, has long been regarded as the gold standard in college football. His former assistants, Smart and Sarkisian, have gone on to become head coaches themselves—Smart now leading Georgia and Sarkisian heading up Texas. Despite their competitive nature on the field, their appearance on GameDay painted a different picture—a reflection of their enduring respect for one another and a shared commitment to making a difference off the field.
The heart of the discussion was centered around the Big3 Foundation, an initiative designed to support underprivileged communities and offer mentorship and opportunities for young athletes. The foundation aims to address some of the systemic inequalities in sports, particularly college football, by helping provide resources, scholarships, and guidance for aspiring student-athletes. The creation of the foundation represents the culmination of their shared values and commitment to improving the sport and the lives of those who love it.
As they sat together on the GameDay set, the trio engaged in playful banter, recounting stories from their time together at Alabama. The ease with which they interacted underscored the deep trust and mutual respect that has developed over the years. Saban, ever the meticulous and focused leader, took a moment to reflect on the importance of mentorship in his career. He credited much of his success to his ability to identify talented coaches like Smart and Sarkisian, both of whom had worked under him and absorbed valuable lessons on leadership, strategy, and team building.
Kirby Smart, now in his ninth season as Georgia’s head coach, spoke about the lessons he learned from Saban, emphasizing the importance of consistency and discipline in building a championship program. Smart’s success at Georgia, including securing a national championship in 2021, can be traced back to the blueprint he learned under Saban’s tutelage. His achievements have validated his ability to succeed as a head coach, but on GameDay, Smart was quick to give credit to Saban, reflecting on the invaluable guidance he received during his time at Alabama.
Steve Sarkisian, who took over the head coaching job at Texas in 2021, also shared insights into how Saban’s influence shaped his approach to coaching. Sarkisian’s previous stints at Washington and USC, while successful in their own right, didn’t fully prepare him for the challenges of leading a high-profile program like Texas. He spoke about how Saban’s mentorship helped him regain his footing, both professionally and personally, after some difficult moments in his career. Sarkisian’s light-hearted moments on GameDay showed a more relaxed side, as he joined in the fun, joking with Saban and Smart about their respective programs’ strengths and weaknesses.
The idea of the Big3 Foundation came about during a series of conversations between these three coaches, who have all reached the pinnacle of college football success. They recognized that beyond the X’s and O’s of the game, they had a responsibility to give back to the communities that have supported them throughout their careers. The foundation is designed to offer mentorship programs, scholarships, and community outreach initiatives that focus on empowering young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds. The trio’s collective experience—from Saban’s unparalleled success at Alabama to Smart’s rise at Georgia and Sarkisian’s journey at Texas—provides a unique and powerful platform to inspire the next generation.
As the segment drew to a close, the three coaches emphasized that while they are fierce competitors on the field, their shared mission off the field brings them together. The Big3 Foundation represents more than just an initiative—it’s a legacy they hope will leave a lasting impact on the college football landscape. By using their collective influence, they hope to create opportunities for underprivileged youth, ensuring that the sport they love continues to thrive for years to come.
In the end, their GameDay appearance was more than just a fun moment between former colleagues; it was a reminder of the power of mentorship, community, and the responsibility coaches have to shape the lives of young people both on and off the field. The Big3 Foundation stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and shared values between Saban, Smart, and Sarkisian, who are determined to give back to the game that gave so much to them.