Nick Saban shares knowledge of ‘The Process’ to Alabama graduates as he welcomes Trump

On a crisp spring morning under the shadow of Bryant-Denny Stadium, University of Alabama graduates gathered for a commencement ceremony they won’t soon forget. Not only did they celebrate the culmination of years of academic rigor, but they also received rare pearls of wisdom from a living legend—retired Alabama head football coach Nick Saban. In his first major public address since stepping down earlier this year, Saban spoke passionately about “The Process,” the philosophy that built a college football dynasty. Adding to the moment’s historic weight, Saban welcomed former President Donald Trump, who attended the ceremony as a guest of honor.

The occasion proved to be a unique intersection of sports, leadership, politics, and education—an emblematic moment for the Capstone and its enduring influence across American culture.

It’s been nearly five months since Nick Saban announced his retirement after 17 seasons and six national championships at Alabama. While his name still echoes through Tuscaloosa, Saban had largely stayed out of the spotlight. That changed with a surprise announcement from the university earlier this spring: Saban would serve as commencement speaker for the Class of 2025.

“I’m honored to be here today—not as your coach, but as someone who knows how hard each of you have worked,” Saban began, standing before thousands of cap-and-gown-clad graduates. “You’ve faced adversity, sacrificed, and stayed focused. And if you’ve done that, you’ve already embraced what I’ve called ‘The Process.’”

For nearly two decades, “The Process” has been synonymous with Saban’s meticulous, disciplined approach to coaching. It’s a philosophy built on consistency, preparation, and attention to detail. But as Saban emphasized in his speech, it transcends football.

“It’s about doing the right thing, the right way, every day,” Saban explained. “It’s about focusing on what you can control—your effort, your attitude, your discipline—and letting the results take care of themselves.”

Saban drew parallels between athletic preparation and academic achievement. “Every class you’ve attended, every late night in the library, every time you bounced back after a setback—those were reps in your process. That was your training camp,” he said, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

He urged graduates to continue applying those principles as they head into their careers, start families, or pursue further education.

The ceremony took on a more politically charged atmosphere as former President Donald Trump, invited by university officials, took his seat in the front row. His appearance came amid ongoing speculation about his 2024 campaign and increasing outreach efforts in traditionally conservative strongholds like Alabama.

As Saban pivoted toward his closing remarks, he acknowledged Trump directly.

“We are grateful today to have with us a man who knows what it means to lead under pressure, to make tough decisions, and to bear the weight of public scrutiny,” Saban said. “Mr. President, thank you for being here to share in this celebration.”

The crowd erupted—some with applause, others with restrained silence. Though Trump didn’t speak formally, he stood and tipped his red cap to the graduates. “Make Alabama proud!” he shouted with a broad smile.

Saban, always measured, didn’t lean into the political implications of Trump’s presence but instead used it as a moment to emphasize unity.

“We may come from different places, have different beliefs, or wear different jerseys,” Saban said, pausing for effect. “But today, we all wear the same cap and gown. That’s what matters.”

Saban’s speech resonated not only because of its content but because of who delivered it. Few figures in American sports have been as revered or scrutinized as the 72-year-old coach. His leadership style—equal parts authoritarian and philosophical—has been studied in business schools, corporate boardrooms, and locker rooms alike.

For graduates like Sarah Morales, a business major from Huntsville, hearing from Saban was the highlight of the day.

“I’ve watched every game since I was a kid, but hearing him speak about life after college hit differently,” Morales said. “He made ‘The Process’ feel like it wasn’t just about winning championships, but about becoming the best version of yourself.”

Engineering graduate DeShawn Foster echoed that sentiment. “It wasn’t a football speech. It was a life speech. And that’s what made it powerful.”

Though he has stepped away from the sidelines, Saban’s influence remains ever-present at Alabama. His successor, Kalen DeBoer, has embraced many of Saban’s tenets while gradually putting his own stamp on the program. University President Dr. Stuart Bell described Saban’s presence at the ceremony as “a homecoming for one of our greatest teachers.”

“Coach Saban taught generations of athletes, students, and fans what excellence looks like,” Bell said. “His message today proves that he’s still coaching—just in a different arena.”

The university has already announced plans to open the “Nick Saban Leadership Institute” on campus in 2026, which will offer leadership development courses to students and corporate professionals alike.

Trump’s appearance at the ceremony was not part of the original public itinerary and caught many off guard. According to sources familiar with the event planning, the former president reached out to the university weeks in advance and requested to attend in a personal capacity to show support for the graduates and for Saban, a longtime acquaintance.

While the visit drew mixed reactions on social media, the mood inside Bryant-Denny remained largely respectful. Trump posed for photos with university officials and shook hands with graduates. Security was tight but efficient, and the event proceeded without disruption.

Political analysts noted the symbolism of Trump sharing a stage, however informally, with Saban.

“They both represent different versions of leadership that resonate with Alabama voters and fans,” said Dr. Maria Cates, a political science professor at UAB. “Even if they don’t agree on every issue, their alignment at this ceremony will not be lost on observers.”

In many ways, this commencement marked a symbolic passing of the torch—not only for Alabama’s graduates, but for Saban himself. While no longer on the sidelines, his words reminded everyone that his impact reaches far beyond the football field.

He closed with a message that felt equal parts personal and universal:

“Your future doesn’t begin when you get your first job or your first paycheck. It begins the moment you commit to something bigger than yourself. Don’t focus on the scoreboard—focus on the next play, the next day, the next challenge. That’s The Process.”

The audience rose in a standing ovation.

Following the ceremony, the university held a reception where graduates reflected on the experience.

“I think having Coach Saban and President Trump at the same event just made it feel even bigger,” said Quentin Hollister, a communications major. “It was like history happening in real time.”

Many students were inspired to reconsider how they approach their futures—not with grand visions of immediate success, but with the deliberate patience Saban preached.

“I’m going to write out my own version of The Process,” said Olivia Tran, an aspiring entrepreneur. “Step by step, brick by brick.”

Social media lit up with reactions. On X (formerly Twitter), “Saban” and “The Process” trended nationally. ESPN analysts praised the speech for its tone and content. Conservative commentators lauded Trump’s appearance as savvy, while critics raised concerns about the politicization of what’s typically an apolitical event.

CNN host Abby Phillips called it “a masterclass in message control,” while Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham tweeted, “Saban and Trump on the same field? That’s Alabama royalty.”

Saban, for his part, sidestepped the buzz.

“I came here today to talk about growth, commitment, and integrity,” he told reporters after the event. “That’s the message I wanted to leave these students with. Politics? That’s not my game.”

As the University of Alabama’s Class of 2025 disperses into the wider world, they carry with them not just diplomas, but a sense of shared identity shaped by a singular event. Whether inspired by Saban’s timeless philosophy or energized by Trump’s surprise appearance, the day served as a reminder of Alabama’s singular place at the intersection of athletics, politics, and tradition.

And for Nick Saban, it was a reintroduction—not just to Tuscaloosa, but to a broader stage where his influence is far from over.