Nick Saban gives big compliment to Josh Heupel at SEC Media Days

Josh Heupel took the stage on Tuesday in Dallas, Texas, for SEC Media Days. The Tennessee football head coach discussed the importance of Tennessee's success on and off the field through its top-tier brand and culture.

Through coaches and players' connection, commitment, and care factor to each other and the program, the Vols have found success in several sports, not only football. 

Former Alabama head coach and future Hall of Famer Nick Saban complimented Heupel throughout the day, including crediting Heupel for scoring 52 points in Saban's final trip to Neyland Stadium. 

That's a massive compliment from Saban, and in reality, everyone is happy Saban has retired because it opens the SEC a bit more with the seven-time national champion now enjoying golf courses and his lake house year-round. 

Saban also credits Heupel's work from Year One to Year Four, installing his up-tempo, explosive offense and the year-over-year improvement on defense.

It's weird hearing compliments and praise about Tennessee and Heupel from a guy who coached one of Tennessee's biggest rivals for more than 15 years, but don't be surprised if this isn't the last compliment Saban gives Heupel this year. 

Saban has joined ESPN as a member of College Gameday, so he will discuss the world of college football every Saturday morning this fall. 
We don't know yet if College Gameday will be at a Tennessee game, but there will be a few opportunities for the Gameday crew to make the trip. 

Oklahoma, Alabama, and Georgia are Tennessee's premier SEC matchups going into the season, so we could see the Gameday crew at one of those games if Tennessee can win early in the season. 

The Vols will open their season on August 31 against Chattanooga at Neyland Stadium. SEC play begins September 21 when Heupel returns to Oklahoma to welcome the Sooners to the SEC.