College football won’t feel the same next year now that Nick Saban has retired from being the Alabama football coach. Some, like Saban, probably feel college football hasn’t been the same for several years now, thanks to a host of recent changes to the structure. He’s not alone.

But unlike the hundreds of other coaches who are still hoping to stake their claim to fame, Saban has already done everything he can. With seven national championship victories under his belt, Saban is one of the most accomplished coaches in college football history. There’s nothing left to prove here.

Still, when the 72-year-old announced his retirement, it came as a shock. Alabama football without Coach Saban? We haven’t seen that since 2006. But again, a lot has changed in recent years. Now we’re getting a better idea on why Saban suddenly decided to walk away this past offseason.