Nick Saban is widely considered the greatest college football coach due to his legendary 17-year stint guiding storied programs against the fiercest possible competition. On Wednesday night, he announced his retirement after delivering six national championships during his time at Alabama. He called the university “a very special place” and expressed that he values his legacy and the team’s process of sustained success most. His 2020 championship title gave him a total of seven national titles, surpassing Bear Bryant as the coach with the most championships. 72-year-old Saban leaves behind a career with 292 career wins, making him the losing active coach. He led the Crimson Tide to winning seasons every year since 2008 and delivered the Heisman Trophy to Alabama with four winners during his run.
Saban spent his college career coaching teams such as LSU (2000-04), Michigan State (1995-99) and Toledo (1990), and he also coached the Miami Dolphins in the NFL (2005-06) before joining Alabama in 2007. His Alabama tenure saw the team with more first-round NFL Draft picks than any other, producing a total of 123 players selected to NFL teams. The coach leaves the university with a lasting impact, surpassed only by Bear Bryant’s own legacy. Since joining Alabama, Saban and the university became a unmatchable pairing as one of the greatest in college football history.
As the university seeks a new leader, its players could be on the move after Saban’s retirement announcement. 17 transfer portal entries, including scholarship players and walk-ons, have been reported since. Alabama coaches will need to prioritize attracting and retaining talent as they navigate through this transition. Nick Saban and his wife have invested in Tuscaloosa since 2007, donating over $11 million to various organizations. They began the Nick’s Kids Foundation in 1998, making an indelible mark on the community.