The Nashville Predators wrapped up their season with a 38-34-10 record, missing the playoffs for the second straight year. Now, attention has shifted to the front office, where Alabama Crimson Tide legend Nick Saban is playing a significant role in the team’s search for a new general manager.
Nashville Predators Turn to Nick Saban for GM Search
The Predators are looking for a new GM after Barry Trotz announced on February 2, 2026, that he would step down from the position. Although Trotz is leaving the day-to-day responsibilities, he will remain in the role until a successor is hired, and will continue as an advisor through the 2026-27 season.
To conduct the search, the organization has hired Creative Artists Agency to lead a broad process. Team ownership, including Bill Haslam and Saban, has expressed a desire to find the right long-term leader for the franchise.
Saban, a minority owner of the Predators, brings a decorated background. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football coaches ever, building a dominant dynasty at the University of Alabama from 2007 to 2023. During that span, he racked up seven national championships, six with the Crimson Tide and one with Louisiana State University, the most in college football history.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, several candidates have already been interviewed. Internal option Jeff Kealty was considered, but the team is believed to be leaning toward an external hire.
Other names reportedly in the mix include Carolina’s Darren Yorke, Florida’s Brett Peterson, and Edmonton’s Bill Scott. He also noted that the Predators planned to interview fired New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald and spoke with Ryan Martin as part of an expanded search.
“Nick Saban played a pretty big role, like I think he is asking questions. I think he is sizing up the candidates. It’s not apples to apples, Alabama Football and the Nashville Predators. But he has some idea of what makes a person success and he wants to see it,” Friedman said.
Some interviews have reportedly gone well, with Scott’s meeting drawing positive feedback. However, the Predators are expected to continue speaking with more candidates, and no final decision has been made.
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For now, Nashville’s leadership group, with Saban playing a notable advisory role, continues to evaluate options as the franchise looks for a new voice to guide its next chapter. The hire could prove crucial as the Predators attempt to rebound and return to playoff contention.
