Sunday, October 11, 2026

Sports Media Goes All-In On Jimbo Fisher Vs. Nick Saban Feud

  • ESPN and SI post multiple stories, columns, and videos.
  • Media treats feuding SEC programs like Hatfields and McCoys.

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The sports media couldn’t get enough of Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher’s withering takedown of rival Alabama coach Nick Saban on Thursday as a “narcissist” who “thinks he’s God.”

Nothing drives TV viewership and page views like football. With the college game and the NFL in a spring lull, Fisher’s broadside against a “despicable” Saban could be the greatest coaching tirade since Mike Gundy’s “I’m a man, I’m 40” rant at Oklahoma State. 

The media’s covering it like the SEC’s version of the Hatfields and McCoys.

Saban’s seven national championships have made him one of the most envied and featured coaches in sports. ESPN.com ran three Fisher vs. Saban stories Thursday, including full videos of the Aggies and Crimson Tide leaders’ respective comments and reaction from “gobsmacked” analyst Paul Finebaum.

Saban lost to Fisher, his former assistant coach, at College Station last year, Finebaum noted. Then he lost the National Championship Game to another ex-assistant: Kirby Smart of Georgia.

A frustrated Mt. Saban finally “erupted,” said Finebaum on the “Get Up” morning show. 

After Saban claimed Texas A&M “bought” its recruits via lucrative NIL deals, Sports Illustrated posted three Fisher stories on its site, including a column from Pat Forde detailing the “All-Out SEC War.” 

The two coaches have taken their public feud to a “level maybe never seen” in college football, according to SI.

“Hell, circle it in blood. This has immediately escalated into the most bitter rivalry of 2022 — if not ever,” wrote Forde.

The New York Post asked if Fisher’s “wild press conference” was college football — or reality TV.

Stay tuned for the next round, warned the Post, with Jackson State coach Deion Sanders warming up to rebut Saban’s comments about his school allegedly paying millions for recruits. 

“You best believe I will address that LIE Coach SABAN told,” tweeted Sanders.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 12, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin reacts to an intercept by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Oxford Bulking Up Police Presence for Lane Kiffin’s Return

Ole Miss coach Pete Golden asked fans to be rowdy but respectful.

Stephen A. Smith: McAfee Has a ‘Different Set of Rules’ at ESPN

Smith signed a nine-figure contract with ESPN last year.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jaylen McClain (8) reacts to a missed interception during the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.

How the 12-Team CFP Is Treating Ohio State and Oregon Differently

Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s and Oregon’s playoff odds took significant hits.
Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up against the Seattle Seahawks prior to a game at Arrowhead Stadium.

Mahomes Comeback Kicks Off ESPN ‘MNF’ Coverage

The two-time NFL MVP is completing a remarkable injury recovery.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/9/26 – MLB’s 154-Game Pitch, NFL Bets on SCOTUS, Shaq Says Barkley Isn’t Leaving

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
September 1, 2026

High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators

Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”
Sep 11, 2026; Melbourne, AUS; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (5) makes a touchdown catch over Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) in the second half at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Netflix’s Australia Game Ties YouTube’s NFL Numbers From Brazil

The subscription streaming service posted an increase in global viewership.
Aug 8, 2026; Canton, OH, USA; Chris Berman moderates the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive
September 14, 2026

How ESPN Will Use Chris Berman in Its Super Bowl Coverage

Berman has covered 44 straight Super Bowls and watched all 60.
Oct 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Former Houston Texans JJ Watt speaks to the fans during his Ring Of Honor Ceremony at halftime during the game between the Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Opinion
September 14, 2026

J.J. Watt Wasn’t Better Than Tony Romo—but He Was Good Enough

Watt will remain with CBS’s top team for at least two more weeks.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks during a committee event with the Artemis II crew members on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
September 12, 2026

ESPN Faces Criticism for Giving Ted Cruz ‘GameDay’ Air Time

No opponents of the Protect College Sports Act have been interviewed on “GameDay.”
September 12, 2026

Revamped McAfee Kicking Contest Pays First Winner $1.2M

The contest has entered its fourth season on College GameDay.
The Herd
Exclusive
September 12, 2026

Colin Cowherd Buys Stake in EPL’s Ipswich

Other Ipswich investors include Marques Colston and Ed Sheeran.
KirkHerbstreit
September 11, 2026

Kirk Herbstreit Embraces College Football’s Influencer Era

“It’s a world of content,” the College GameDay host told FOS.