The Nick Saban era is over.
On Wednesday, January 10, the Alabama Crimson Tide head coach informed his players that he would be retiring and the school later confirmed the news.
“The University of Alabama has been a very special place to Terry and me,” Saban said in a statement. “We have enjoyed every minute of our 17 years being the head coach at Alabama as well as becoming a part of the Tuscaloosa community. It is not just about how many games we won and lost, but it’s about the legacy and how we went about it. We always tried to do it the right way. The goal was always to help players create more value for their future, be the best player they could be and be more successful in life because they were part of the program. Hopefully, we have done that, and we will always consider Alabama our home.”.
Saban was hired by the University of Alabama in 2007 and had a wildly successful tenure that included six national championships and 11 Southeastern Conference titles.
During his time leading the Crimson Tide, Saban coached Heisman Trophy winners Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, DeVonta Smith, and Bryce Young, who were the first four Heisman winners in Alabama history.
Thank You, Coach.
🔗:https://t.co/cz8p9xqXYQ#RollTide pic.twitter.com/DQRdELaNjR
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) January 11, 2024
Saban’s retirement comes just over one week after the Crimson Tide fell short against eventual national champion Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
The 72-year-old Saban compiled a 297-71-1 record as a head coach, ranking No. 5 on the all-time win list.
Saban began his coaching career as an assistant at Kent State in 1973. He would continue to serve as a defensive assistant for Syracuse, West Virginia, Ohio State, Navy, Michigan State, and the Houston Oilers before getting his first head coaching gig at Toledo.
Saban also held coaching jobs at Michigan State; and LSU, where he won another national title; and a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins.
Now, Saban can put the stress of coaching behind him and relax in retirement.
But something says this won’t be the last we see of Saban on our televisions.
Congrats to Saban on a successful career, and we wish you the best of luck in whatever he chooses to do next.