Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban is reportedly assisting the Nashville Predators in their search for a new general manager.
According to a report, Saban has been assisting majority owner Bill Haslam during recent in-person interviews.
Saban’s Role in the Interview Process
Saban’s involvement was reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Friedman said that Saban has been playing a “pretty big role” in this round of in-person interviews. “I think he’s asking questions, I think he’s sizing up the candidates,” Friedman stated.
The Predators have declined to release any details on their GM search. This includes potential candidates and where they are in the process, according to a representative.
Saban’s Connection to the Predators
Saban became a minority owner of the Predators in December. He purchased a stake in the team alongside business partner Joe Agresti through Dream Sports Ventures LLC.
After retiring as coach of Alabama in 2024, Saban became part of the ESPN “College GameDay” crew. He also showed interest in sports ownership, and was part of Haslam’s bid to bring a WNBA expansion franchise to Nashville in 2025.
The Search for a New GM
The search began after current Predators GM Barry Trotz announced his retirement on Feb. 2. Haslam initially hired CAA to help guide the search, but CAA withdrew a week later, citing a potential conflict of interest.
Haslam stated on Feb. 2 that the team’s search process would involve several internal voices, including Saban’s.
Haslam wants to make the hire in time for the NHL draft in June, but ideally by sometime in May.
Potential Candidates
The team has reportedly interviewed several candidates. These include current Predators assistant GM Jeff Kealty, Carolina Hurricanes assistant GM Darren Yorke, and Florida Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson.
Edmonton Oilers assistant GM Bill Scott and New York Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin have also been interviewed. The Predators are expected to interview former New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald.
The Predators’ search for a new general manager continues, with the aim of having someone in place before the NHL draft in June.