Heads turned toward Nick Saban’s car as he reached the main entryway at Old Overton Club in Birmingham. Alabama’s football coach was the main attraction at his annual Nick’s Kids Golf Tournament while workers and course attendants prepped for a rainy Tuesday.

With cameras and media awaiting his arrival, it was the celebrity treatment Saban’s seen throughout his tenure as Crimson Tide coach. It was fitting that the first question asked focused on Saban’s recent overseas run-in with fame.

“You know, it’s something to say about the brand we have. The iconic brand of the Crimson Tide,” Saban said about getting recognized by Tide fans while on his recent Italy vacation. “We got ‘Roll Tide’d” in Venice, Florence, Rome and the Amalfi Coast. So, it’s everywhere I went. It says something (to be noticed), I don’t know what it quite says about me. I got a few jilts from other SEC fans. They didn’t post that part.”

Saban’s excursion made was perfect fodder for the off-season news cycle. Users on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram snapped pictures with the seven-time national champion. In most of the photos, you can spot Saban wearing the state’s signature ‘A.’

In the rest of his press conference, Saban deferred commenting on the suspended freshman defensive back Tony Mitchell, who has a court date on Wednesday for his drug arrest. Saban also addressed next week’s SEC meetings in Destin, Fla., and the “state of college football” that coaches are expected to discuss on May 30.

“How do we put some parameters on some of the things that are happening and some of the things that can create competitive advantages and disadvantages,” Saban said referencing NIL and transfers. “… We’re still trying to emphasize the fact that you go to college to create value for your future.”

According to UA media, Nick and Terry Saban have helped raise nearly $12 million in 16 years through Nick’s Kids.

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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].