Nick Saban
Nick Saban, a college football legend, has officially announced his retirement after an illustrious 17-season tenure with the University of Alabama. Known for turning the Crimson Tide into a football powerhouse, Saban's influence extends beyond the field.
Saban, 72, expressed gratitude for the special relationship he and his wife, Terri, have developed with the university and the Tuscaloosa community over the course of 17 years. Emphasizing the importance of legacy, he focused on doing things the right way, helping players create value for their future on and off the field.
During his 28-year coaching career at Toledo, Michigan State, LSU and Alabama, Saban captured an impressive seven national championships. His first title came with LSU in 2003, followed by an extraordinary six with Alabama in 2009, 2011-2012, 2015, 2017 and 2020. Additionally, he had a brief stint in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins.
Alabama's athletics director, Greg Byrne, lauded Saban as one of the greatest coaches of all time, highlighting his seven national championships, 11 conference championships, 312 wins and a remarkable 49 NFL first-round draft picks. Byrne acknowledged Saban's influence on and off the field, noting the coach's role as a mentor and leader.
Saban's teams achieved three national championships during the Bowl Championship Series era and added three more championships after the introduction of the College Football Playoff. Notably, in 10 CFP seasons, his Crimson Tide teams qualified eight times.
Alabama's President, Stuart R. Bell praised Saban's commitment to excellence, setting standards both on the field and in the classroom. The coach's impact on student-athletes and the lasting memories he created for the university community were acknowledged with gratitude.
Saban's coaching record overall is a remarkable 297–71–1 (.806), including a particularly impressive 206–29 (.877) mark during his time at Alabama. His teams showed dominance in SEC championship games with an 11–1 record, winning a combined 11 SEC titles.
Throughout Saban's tenure, Alabama performed consistently against top-ranked opponents, posting a 21–2 record against top-10 teams in each of his six national championship seasons. The Crimson Tide's success translated into a remarkable overall record of 37–15 against top-10 teams since 2008.
Saban's influence extended to player development, producing four Heisman Trophy winners under his guidance. Notably, he has the unique distinction of having coached Heisman winners at three different positions (RB, WR, QB). The Alabama program saw a substantial increase in individual national award winners, with 60 since 2008.
In addition to football success, Saban's commitment to education is also evident in the academic achievements of his players. Since 2007, Alabama football players have earned a total of 656 degrees, including 103 master's degrees.
The impact of Saban's charitable work through the Nick Kids Foundation is profound, with over $12 million distributed to various charities to benefit underprivileged children. It reflects Sabans' ongoing commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
As the curtain comes down on Nick Saban's coaching career, his legacy is reflected not only through the championships, but also through the countless lives he touched, the standards he set and the positive contributions he made to both the football p
rogram and the community.
