DALLAS — The SEC isn’t what it used to be, as former Alabama coach Nick Saban could attest upon arriving at the annual media and interview session at the Omni Hotel on Monday.

“It’s a little different, I’ve never worn a credential in my life, and was always for 17 years able to get into SEC Media day without a credential,” Saban said on Monday.

“I had to go back to the room today and get my credential to get in, that’s one of the biggest changes I see. It’s not like it used to be.”

It’s likely the most disrespect Saban has dealt with serving in a media role since former Georgia star David Pollack told the former Tide coach that Georgia has “taken over college football” during the broadcast of the Bulldogs’ 65-7 win over TCU in CFP Championship Game following the 2022 season.

WATCH: David Pollack blows Nick Saban’s mind trumpeting Georgia

The SEC isn’t what it used to be in more ways than one, most notably, it’s the first season former Big 12 members Texas and Oklahoma will be playing football in the sport’s powerhouse conference, hence the location of this year’s event.

Further, Saban will be serving in a prominent role as an analyst for ESPN this season, his role on the popular “GameDay” program carved out.

First-year Tide coach Kalen DeBoer will be representing Alabama when it makes its appearance at SEC Media Days on Wednesday, one of four new coaches in the league.

GRIFFITH OPINION: Why it was the right time for Saban to move on from Bama

Third-year head coach Brent Venables will be making his debut in the league and will speak on Tuesday, while new Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby talks on Wednesday and first-year Texas A&M coach Mike Elko appears on Thursday.

One thing that will likely remain the same is Georgia being picked to win the SEC, as the Bulldogs are a popular preseason No. 1 with Heisman Trophy favorite Carson Beck leading the offense.

Saban, himself, has already predicted that.

Beck, along with Kirby Smart, Malaki Starks and Mykel Williams, will appear before the media on Tuesday.

But for now media members and fans alike are adjusting to a new-look SEC that features 16 teams instead of 14 and divisional play eliminated.

The top two teams will play in the SEC Championship Game, both likely having secured spots in the newly-expanded 12-team college football playoff.

Saban, who led Alabama to a 27-24 win over Georgia in last year’s SEC title game, will be in the broadcast booth at this year’s event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Dec. 7.

Saban, having won three of the past four SEC title games, likely will not require a credential in Atlanta.