As a college football head coach, Saban won seven claimed national titles and one unclaimed national title, the most in college football history.[17] His first came when he led theLSU Tigers to theBCS National Championship in 2003. He then coached theAlabama Crimson Tide to BCS and AP national championships in 2009, 2011, 2012, and toCollege Football Playoff championships in 2015, 2017 and 2020 with Alabama also having an unclaimed National Championship in 2016 that was selected byColley. He became the first coach in college football history to win anational championship with two differentFootball Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools since the inception of theAP Poll in 1936.[18] Saban andBear Bryant are the only coaches to win an SEC championship at two different schools.[19] Saban's career record as a college head coach is 292–71–1.[n 1]
Saban was born inFairmont, West Virginia, to Mary and Nick Lou Saban Sr. and grew up in the nearby town ofMonongah. His parents owned a small service station and his father founded and coached a youth football team.[26][27][28] He has one sister, Dianna, and graduated from Monongah High School in 1969.[29][28] In high school, Saban played quarterback and helped lead Monongah to the 1968 West Virginia Class A state championship his senior year.[30] Among his teammates wereKerry Marbury, who went on to star for theWest Virginia Mountaineers and play in theCanadian Football League.[31]
Saban attendedKent State University inKent, Ohio, and played defensive back for theGolden Flashes under coachDon James. He and a roommate avoided being part of theKent State shootings, on May 4, 1970, when they decided to eat lunch before walking to the rally area.[32] While attending KSU, he married Terry Constable, also from West Virginia, on December 18, 1971 in Fairmont.[33] Saban graduated from Kent State in 1973 with abachelor's degree in business, and in 1975, earned hismaster's degree in sports administration, also from Kent State.[14] Saban's father died during his son's first year ofgraduate school.[34]
Saban is ofCroatian ancestry.[35] His paternal grandfather, Stanko Saban, was born in 1895 inGospić, in theLika region ofCroatia. Stanko emigrated toPortland, Oregon, in 1908, when he was 13 years old. He later married Anna Mihalic, of Croatian-American heritage.
Saban began his career as a head coach when he was hired by theUniversity of Toledo on December 22, 1989.[46] Coming off of 6–5 seasons in both1988 and1989, theRockets found quick success under Nick Saban in1990.[47] With a 9–2 season, Toledo was co-champion of theMid-American Conference.[48] The two games the Rockets lost that season were by narrow margins: one point toCentral Michigan and four points toNavy.[49] While coaching in Toledo, Saban turned down an application from future head coachUrban Meyer, who was looking for any coaching job on Saban's staff.[50]
Cleveland Browns
The following February, Saban resigned as Toledo's head coach after only one season in order to becomedefensive coordinator of theCleveland Browns under head coachBill Belichick.[51] He remained in that position for four seasons.[52] Saban helped lead the 1994 defensive unit for the Browns that was the best in the NFL in points allowed.[53] Saban later said these four years were the "worst of my life".[54]
Michigan State
1995–1997 seasons
Saban became head coach ofMichigan State prior to the1995 season.[55] Michigan State had not had a winning season since1990, and the team was sanctioned by the NCAA for recruiting violations that were committed under his predecessor and former mentor,George Perles.[56][57][58]
Beginning in1995, Saban moderately improved Michigan State's fortunes, taking the Spartans to bowl games in each of his first three seasons.[59] From 1995 to1997, Michigan State finished 6–5–1, 6–6, and 7–5.[60][61][62]
1998 season
On November 7,1998, the Spartans upset the No.1 rankedOhio State Buckeyes 28–24 atOhio Stadium.[63] However, even after the upset and an early-season rout of then-highly ranked Notre Dame the Spartans finished 6–6, including three last-minute losses featuring turnovers, defensive lapses, and special-teams misplays, and failed to earn a bowl invitation.[64][65]
1999 season
Saban led the1999 Spartans to a 9–2 season that included wins overNotre Dame,Michigan,Ohio State, andPenn State. The two losses were routs at the hands ofPurdue andWisconsin.[66] Following the final regular-season game against Penn State, Saban abruptly resigned to accept the head coaching position withLSU.[67] Saban's assistant head coach and successor,Bobby Williams, coached the Spartans to aCitrus Bowl victory overFlorida, giving the Spartans an overall record of 10–2 for the 1999 season.[68][69] It was the most wins for the Spartans in a season since1965, and the Spartans reached their highest ranking since the1966 team.[70] Future NFL head coachJosh McDaniels served as a graduate assistant on Saban's 1999 coaching staff.[71]
LSU
2000 season
In November 1999, LSU named Nick Saban as their 31st head football coach.[72][73] In2000, the Tigers went 8–4 and won thePeach Bowl overGeorgia Tech.[74] The season was somewhat marred by several lopsided losses, including a 34–17 loss to theAuburn Tigers, and a 41–9 loss to theFlorida Gators.[75]
2001 season
Saban led LSU to a 10–3 record in2001, including an SEC Championship and a Sugar Bowl victory.[76] After a 35–24 loss to theOle Miss Rebels, the Tigers finished the year with six straight wins, including a 31–20 win over #2Tennessee in the2001 SEC Championship Game, and a 47–34 win overIllinois in the2002 Sugar Bowl.[77][78][79] It was the first outrightSEC championship for LSU since1986, and the first time the Tigers had won the Sugar Bowl since1968.[80][81]
2002 season
The2002 season opened with high expectations, but a 26–8 loss at the hands ofVirginia Tech in the Tigers' season opener raised serious questions about their outlook.[82] However, the Tigers would rebound to win their next six straight, but after a mid-season injury to quarterbackMatt Mauck, LSU lost four of its last six games to close the season, including a 21–20 loss atArkansas, which knocked the Tigers out of the SEC Championship Game.[83][84][85] LSU also suffered a 35–20 loss toTexas in theCotton Bowl Classic, and finished 8–5.[86]
2003 season
The2003 Tigers started the season with five wins, including a 17–10 victory inTiger Stadium over the defending SEC champion, and then-undefeated,Georgia Bulldogs. LSU lost the following week toFlorida, 19–7. After the loss to Florida, LSU did not lose again in the regular season and ended its regular season with a win over theArkansas Razorbacks to win theSEC West.[87][88] After winning the SEC West, the Tigers defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 34–13 in theSEC Championship Game in Atlanta.[89] They were ranked No. 2 in the BCS standings and advanced to play the BCS No.1Oklahoma Sooners in theSugar Bowl, which was the host of theBCS Championship Game in 2003.[90] The Tigers won the game 21–14. The win gave LSU the BCS national championship.[91] and a 13–1 finish for the season.[87] The 13 wins for LSU set a new single-season record, breaking the mark of 11 wins set by the 1958 National Championship team.[80]
Saban accepted the head coaching position for theMiami Dolphins on December 25, 2004.[95] He was the sixth coach in the franchise's history.[96] The Nick Saban era officially kicked off with a 34–10 win over theDenver Broncos in2005.[97] From there, however, the Dolphins struggled, losing seven of their next nine games to fall to 3–7. The two wins came over theCarolina Panthers and theNew Orleans Saints, a game that took place inTiger Stadium due toHurricane Katrina.[98] After a frustrating two months, however, the Dolphins would rally late in the season, as they won their final six games, including a 28–26 win to end the season inFoxboro, Massachusetts, over theNew England Patriots. The team finished the year with a 9–7 record, and narrowly missed the playoffs in Saban's first season.[99]
2006 season
Going into the2006 season, the Dolphins were expected to contend for a playoff spot.[100] The season, however, turned out to be unsuccessful. The Dolphins were considering quarterbackDrew Brees, who had just been released from theSan Diego Chargers due to a career-threatening shoulder injury and subsequent contract dispute, but instead traded forDaunte Culpepper, who was still recovering from a knee injury from the previous season.[101][102][103][104] Saban later said that the team's decision to pass on Brees was the moment he knew that he would leave the team.[105] Culpepper never fully recovered and was ultimately benched after the fourth game of the season, when the Dolphins lost to theHouston Texans.[106][107] He was eventually put oninjured reserve.[108] After starting the season 1–6, however, the Dolphins got hot. They won four straight games, including wins over theChicago Bears, who were previously unbeaten and made it to theSuper Bowl that year, and theKansas City Chiefs.[109] Suddenly, the Dolphins were back in the playoff hunt at 5–6, but a 24–10 loss the following week to theJacksonville Jaguars all but ended their playoff hopes.[110] The Dolphins rebounded the following week with a 21–0 win over theNew England Patriots, the Dolphins' last victory of the 2006 season.[111] QuarterbackJoey Harrington was eventually benched in favor of third-string quarterbackCleo Lemon.[112] The defense ranked as a top-five unit in points and yards allowed.[113] However, the offense was anemic, with the only bright spot being running backRonnie Brown, who gained over 1,000 rushing yards on the season.[100] The Dolphins lost their next two games to theBuffalo Bills and theNew York Jets to finish 6–10, Saban's first losing season as a head coach.[100]
On November 27, 2006, theUniversity of Alabama announced the firing of head coachMike Shula. Saban was rumored to be at the top of Alabama's wish list, but Saban refused to discuss the job while his NFL season was still underway.[114] During the month of December 2006, Saban was repeatedly questioned by the media about the Alabama job, and he repeatedly denied the rumors in his weekly press conferences, stating on December 21 "I guess I have to say it. I'm not going to be the Alabama coach." But his wife Terry talked Nick into having a meeting withMal Moore.[115][116] Saban met with Alabama officials on January 1, 2007,[117] which was shortly after the Dolphins' season-ending loss to theIndianapolis Colts.
On January 3, 2007, following a meeting with Dolphins ownerWayne Huizenga, Saban announced that he had accepted an offer to becomeAlabama's 27thhead coach.[118] His initial eight-year contract totalingUS$32million made him one of the highest-paid football coaches,[119] professional orcollegiate, in the United States at the time.[120]
On January 4, 2007, at a press conference on the Alabama campus, Saban was officially introduced as the head football coach of The University of Alabama.[121] On September 1,2007, his Crimson Tide opened the season with a 52–6 win over theWestern Carolina Catamounts, scoring more points than during any game in the2006 season.[122] Saban became the fifth Alabama coach since 1900 to start his first season 3–0, earning a win over then-ranked No.16Arkansas Razorbacks.[123] Alabama ended the regular season with a 6–6 record, including a four-game losing streak, a particularly humiliating loss at home toLouisiana-Monroe, and a sixth straight loss toAuburn in theIron Bowl. All six of Alabama's losses were by seven points or fewer.[124][125][126] The Crimson Tide defeatedColorado in the2007 Independence Bowl, 30–24, to end the year 7–6.[127][n 1]
2008 season
During hissecond year as head coach of the Tide, Saban led his team from a sub-par season in 2007 to a perfect 12–0 regular season record. Saban finished the regular season undefeated for the first time in his career as a head coach as he led the Crimson Tide to its first undefeated regular season since1994.[128] He appeared on the September 1, 2008, cover ofForbes magazine as "The Most Powerful Coach in Sports."[129]
The Tide took their No.1 ranking intoBaton Rouge, Louisiana, and came out with a 27–21 overtime victory overLSU.[141] With the win, Alabama clinched its first SEC Western Division championship since1999 and guaranteed the team a trip to the2008 SEC Championship Game.[142] The Tide then improved to 11–0 with a win at home overMississippi State.[143] To finish the regular season, Bama defeated in-state rivalAuburn, 36–0, the largest margin of victory inthe series since1962. It was Alabama's first victory over Auburn since the2001 season.[144] In theSEC Championship Game, Alabama suffered its first defeat in a 31–20 loss to the SEC Eastern Division championFlorida Gators (who later won the 2008 BCS Championship), and closed out the season with a 31–17 loss toUtah in theSugar Bowl[145][146] to finish the season at 12–2.[147] For his efforts during the season, Saban received several Coach of the Year awards.[148][149][150]
2009 season
Saban in May 2009
No.5Alabama began Saban's third year by defeating the No.7 rankedVirginia Tech Hokies in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, 34–24.[151] The Crimson Tide followed up with wins overFlorida International andNorth Texas.[152][153] The following week Alabama won its conference opener overArkansas, 35–7.[154] In its fifth game of the year, Alabama beatKentucky, 38–20.[155] The sixth game of the season featured a hard-fought defensive battle with Bama defeatingOle Miss, 22–3.[156] The seventh game was the same as Alabama defeated theSouth Carolina Gamecocks, 20–6.[157] The next day, Alabama moved up to No.1 in the APpoll for the second straight year.[158] The next week Alabama defeatedTennessee 12–10.[159]Terrence Cody blocked Tennessee's game-winning field goal attempt with four seconds left, sealing the victory and improving the team's record to 8–0.[160]
After a bye week, Alabama clinched its second straight SEC West Division championship by knocking offLSU, 24–15.[161] The next week Alabama defeatedMississippi State, 31–3, securing the second straight 10-win season for Alabama.[162] Following a 45–0 shutout ofChattanooga, onBlack Friday, Alabama came from behind to defeatGene Chizik'sAuburn Tigers, 26–21, marking the first time since1973–1974 Alabama had finished the regular season undefeated in consecutive years, and the first consecutive 12-win seasons.[163][164][165] The Crimson Tide defeated theFlorida Gators in theSEC Championship, 32–13, in a rematch of the previous year's championship game.[166] The championship represented Alabama's 22nd SEC title and its first since 1999.[167] Saban's Crimson Tide ended the season with a 37–21 victory over theTexas Longhorns in the2010 BCS National Championship Game to finish a perfect 14–0 to give Alabama their first National Championship since 1992.[168][169][170] The 2009 Crimson Tide set a school record for single-season victories with 14.[171] The win secured Saban's second national championship and Alabama's 13th, and its first in the BCS era.[172][173] At the on-campus celebration, Saban famously stated "I want everybody here to know, this is not the end. This is the beginning."[174] Following the victory over the Longhorns, the University of Alabama announced that it would unveil a statue of Saban in the week prior to the kickoff of the 2010 season.[175] On April 16, 2011, a life-sized bronzed statue of Saban was unveiled at the 2011 A-Day spring game, making him Alabama's fifth coach to be immortalized outside the north end zone ofBryant–Denny Stadium.[176]
At the start of hisfourth season, Alabama was overwhelmingly chosen as the preseason No.1 team in both the AP and Coaches Poll.[177] It was the first time since 1978 that the Crimson Tide started the season ranked No. 1.[178] In the season opener in front a record crowd of 101,821, Alabama defeatedSan Jose State, 48–3.[179][180] The following week, the Tide defeatedJoe Paterno and the#23 Penn State 24–3 in their first meeting since 1990.[181][182] The next week againstDuke,Mark Ingram II made his first start of the 2010 season leading Alabama to a 62–13 victory.[183] The next week Alabama overcame a 20–7 deficit to win its conference opener against#10 Arkansas, 24–20.[184] On October 2, Alabama defeated#7 Florida 31–6.[185] The following week Alabama lost to#19 South Carolina 35–21, snapping a 19-game win streak.[186]
Alabama bounced back with a 23–10 win overOle Miss, and followed that up with a 41–10 victory overTennessee.[187][188] After a bye week, Alabama suffered its second loss of the season, losing to#10 LSU, 24–21.[189] The following week, Alabama bounced back at home defeating#17 Mississippi State, 30–10.[190] The following week Alabama defeatedGeorgia State 63–7, the most points for Alabama since1979.[191] In theIron Bowl, Alabama lost to in-state rival (and eventual BCS champions)#2 Auburn 28–27, snapping a 20-game home winning streak.[192] In winning the game, Auburn overcame a 24–0 second quarter Alabama lead, thus marking the largest deficit any team had overcome to defeat the Crimson Tide in its football program's history.[193] Alabama was selected to play in the2011 Capital One Bowl and in their first-ever meeting, Alabama defeated#7 Michigan State 49–7 in the largest margin of victory in that bowl game's history.[194][195] The bowl victory brought Alabama to 10–3 on the season and secured Alabama's third consecutive 10-win season.[196]
2011 season
At the start of hisfifth season, Alabama came into the season ranked No.2 in the country in the AP Poll and Coaches Poll.[197][198] In the first game of the season, Alabama defeated Saban's alma materKent State 48–7.[199] The next week, Alabama traveled to Penn State for the first time since 1989 and defeatedJoe Paterno and#23 Nittany Lions 27–11.[200][201] Alabama recorded its first shutout of the season by defeatingNorth Texas 41–0.[202] In the conference opener, Alabama defeated#12 Arkansas 38–14.[203] The next week Alabama traveled toThe Swamp and defeated the 12th-rankedFlorida Gators 38–10.[204] The following week at homecoming, Alabama shut outVanderbilt, defeating them 34–0.[205] Alabama traveled to Oxford and destroyedOle Miss 52–7.[206] In week8, Alabama defeated their rivalTennessee 37–6 by scoring 31 unanswered points in the second half.[207] After a bye week, Alabama played host to#1 LSU, losing in overtime9–6, aGame of the Century matchup between conference teams ranked No.1 and No.2.[208]
Alabama rebounded the next week after struggling in the first half, with a win overMississippi State 24–7.[209] The next week, Alabama defeatedFCS 3rd rankedGeorgia Southern 45–21 on Senior Day.[210] This win gave Saban his fourth consecutive 10-win season, tyingBear Bryant from 1977 to 1980.[128] In theIron Bowl, Alabama defeatedAuburn 42–14.[211] On December 4, Alabama was selected to face LSU in theBCS National Championship Game by finishing No.2 in the final BCS rankings, the first time in college football history that two teams from the same conference (much less the same division of the same conference) played each other for the BCS Championship.[212] In the rematch, Alabama defeated the Tigers 21–0 with a dominating defensive performance, improving Saban's record to 3–3 againstLes Miles and his former employer, LSU.[213]The win secured Saban his third BCS Championship, his second with Alabama, and the 14thNational Championship for the Alabama football team.[214][215] He is the only coach in college football to win three BCS Championships and the first coach since Nebraska'sTom Osborne to win three National Championships.[216]
2012 season
At the start of hissixth season, Alabama came into the season ranked No.2 in both preseason polls for the second consecutive year.[217] Alabama opened the season atCowboys Stadium against#8 Michigan in the first meeting between the schools since the2000 Orange Bowl with Alabama winning 41–14.[218][219] The next week, Alabama moved up to No.1 in both polls, marking the fifth consecutive year the Tide reached the top spot.[220] A few days later, Alabama shut out Western Kentucky 35–0.[221] Alabama opened up conference play the next week by routingArkansas 52–0 in their sixth consecutive win over the Razorbacks.[222] In week4, Alabama defeatedFlorida Atlantic 40–7.[223] The next week, the Tide defeatedOle Miss 33–14.[224] After a bye week, Alabama traveled toColumbia, Missouri, for the first time since 1978 and defeated theMissouri Tigers 42–10 in their first meeting as conference opponents.[225] The next week Alabama defeated their rivalTennessee 44–13 for the sixth consecutive year.[226] On homecoming, Alabama beat undefeated#13 Mississippi State 38–7.[227]
In a rematch of the2012 BCS National Championship Game, Alabama overcame a late deficit with less than a minute remaining to defeat#5 LSU 21–17.[228] The next week, Alabama suffered their first loss of the season to new conference member#15 Texas A&M 29–24.[229] Alabama rebounded the following week recording its third shutout of the season defeatingWestern Carolina 49–0.[230] The win secured Alabama's fifth consecutive 10-win season, tying the longest streak from 1971 to 1975.[231] In the Iron Bowl, Alabama defeatedAuburn 49–0 to secure its third SEC Western Division championship under Saban. It is the second biggest margin of victory in the rivalry's history and first shutout since 2008.[232][233] It was Alabama's fourth shutout of the season (second time back-to-back) and second year in a row the Tide finished the regular season 11–1.[234] In theSEC Championship, Alabama overcame a late drive by#3 Georgia to defeat the Bulldogs 32–28, winning the school's 23rd conference title.[235] The 2012 title was Alabama's first conference championship since 2009 and Saban's fourth overall.[236] The win also clinched a spot in a BCS bowl game for the fourth time in five years.[237] On December 2, Alabama finished second in the final BCS rankings for the second consecutive season.[220] On January 7, 2013, No.2 Alabama faced#1 Notre Dame in the first meeting between the schools since 1987, defeating the Irish 42–14 in the2013 BCS National Championship Game.[238][239] The win gave Alabama their 15th national championship and their third championship in four years.[240] Alabama won back-to-back national titles for the first time since 1978 and 1979.[241] The title was Saban's fourth national championship and his third with the Crimson Tide, tying him withWallace Wade for second all-time at Alabama.[242]
2013 season
As the2013 campaign began, Saban's Crimson Tide was ranked No.1 in both the AP and Coaches preseason polls for the first time since 2010.[243][244] In theChick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Alabama defeatedVirginia Tech 35–10 at theGeorgia Dome inAtlanta.[245] Following a bye week, Alabama traveled toCollege Station, Texas, to pick up its first conference win, defeating#6 Texas A&M, 49–42, in a wild shootout that Alabama had lost the year before.[246] The Crimson Tide went on to defeatColorado State, which was coached by Alabama's former offensive coordinatorJim McElwain, 31–6.[247]#21 Ole Miss Rebels was next up for Alabama, which shut out the Rebels 25–0 for its tenth straight win in the series.[248] The following week saw Alabama beatGeorgia State 45–3.[249] Alabama went on the road and defeatedKentucky 48–7.[250] Alabama defeatedArkansas for the seventh consecutive year and by a score of 52–0 for the second consecutive year.[251][252] In theThird Saturday in October, The Tide defeatedTennessee 45–10 to win its seventh consecutive game over the Vols.[253] Following their second bye week, Alabama took on#10 LSU and Saban improved his record to 5–3 against the Tigers, as Alabama won 38–17.[254] The Crimson Tide defeatedMississippi State 20–7 in a defensive bout.[255] The win gave Alabama its sixth straight ten-win season, the longest in school history.[128] On Senior Day, the Tide knocked off FCS opponentChattanooga 49–0.[256]
The next game was theIron Bowl, which was hosted by#4 Auburn in a matchup between top five teams. The game was tied 28–28 with only a single second remaining in regulation, as Alabama and Auburn appeared headed for overtime. Extra time wasn't necessary as Saban decided to attempt a 56-yard field goal instead of either running out the clock or attempting a Hail Mary from Auburn's 39-yard line. The decision proved costly, as the field goal was short but caught nine yards deep in the Auburn end zone by the Tigers'Chris Davis, who returned the failed attempt109 yards for a touchdown as time expired.[257][258] The 28–34 loss knocked Alabama out of contention for the SEC Championship and dashed The Tide's hope for a national championship.[259] Alabama finished the regular season 11–1 for the third consecutive year.[260] At the end of the regular season, Alabama finished ranked No.3 in the final BCS rankings and earned an at-large bid to the2014 Sugar Bowl. Alabama accepted an invitation to play in its third straight BCS bowl game and fifth in Saban's seven seasons at Alabama.[261] In theSugar Bowl, Alabama lost to#11 Oklahoma 45–31.[262] This was Saban's second bowl loss at Alabama and first since the2009 Sugar Bowl against Utah.[263] The Tide finished the season at 11–2.[260]
2014 season
Starting in hiseighth season, Alabama began the year ranked No.2 in the preseason AP and Coaches Poll for the third time in four years.[264][265] It was the fifth straight season the Crimson Tide started the year in the top two and the seventh consecutive year in the top five.[266] In the season opener, Alabama improved to 4–0 in theChick-fil-A Kickoff Game beatingWest Virginia 33–23 in the first meeting between the two schools.[267] The Tide won their home opener the next week overFlorida Atlantic 41–0 after the game was called in the fourth quarter due to lightning.[268] The following week they defeatedSouthern Miss 52–12.[269] In their conference opener, Alabama put up 645 yards of offense beatingFlorida 42–21.[270] Following a bye week Alabama was voted No.1 in the Coaches Poll marking the seventh consecutive season Alabama has reached the top spot.[271] Alabama suffered their first loss of the season losing to#11 Ole Miss 23–17 which ended a 10-game win streak against the Rebels.[272] In Saban's 100thgame with the Tide, Alabama bounced back, narrowly defeatingArkansas 14–13 for its eighth consecutive victory in the series.[273] The next week the Tide dominated#21 Texas A&M shutting them out 59–0 which is the fourth-largest victory in school history.[274] In their annual rivalry withTennessee, Alabama won their eighth straight over the Vols 34–20.[275] After a second bye week, Alabama traveled to Baton Rouge to play#14 LSU. After a late field goal, Alabama sent the game into overtime defeating the Tigers 20–13.[276] In a matchup of top five teams, Alabama defeated#1 Mississippi State 25–20 marking the first time Alabama has defeated an AP No.1 team at home.[277][278] Alabama defeated FCS opponentWestern Carolina 48–14.[279] The win secured Alabama its seventh consecutive ten-win season.[280] In theIron Bowl, Alabama avenged their only regular season loss of last season defeating their in-state rival#15 Auburn 55–44, the most points scored in the rivalry's history.[281] The Tide finished the regular season 11–1 for the fourth straight season and won the SEC West.[128][282] It was Saban's fifth division title at Alabama. In the2014 SEC Championship Game, Saban won his 5thSEC title (3rdwith Alabama) defeating#14 Missouri 42–13.[283] It was Alabama's 24thSEC championship and first since 2012.[284] Alabama was selected for the firstCollege Football Playoff as the No.1 seed and played the No.4 seedOhio State in theSugar Bowl, losing 42–35.[285] The loss was Saban's third in Sugar Bowls at Alabama.[286] The Tide finished the season at 12–2.[287]
2015 season
In hisninth season, Saban and Alabama began the year ranked No.3 in the preseason AP and Coaches Poll, marking the eighth straight year the Tide began the season in the topfive.[288][289] It was their lowest preseason ranking since 2009.[290] In the season opener against#20 Wisconsin, Alabama won, 35–17, inArlington, Texas.[291] In their home opener, the Tide defeatedMiddle Tennessee, 37–10.[292] In the conference opener, Alabama lost a back-and-forth struggle to#15 Ole Miss, 43–37.[293] The following week Alabama bounced back with a 34–0 win overLouisiana Monroe.[294] The Tide picked up a conference win dominating#8 Georgia, 38–10.[295] Alabama defeatedArkansas 27–14 for its ninth consecutive win in the series.[296] The following week behind a strong defensive performance, the Tide beat#9 Texas A&M 41–23.[297] In the annualThird Saturday in October meeting, the Tide narrowly defeatedTennessee 19–14 with a fourth-quarter comeback to get its ninth consecutive win in the rivalry.[298] After the bye week, Alabama hosted#2 LSU in a matchup of top-five teams, winning 30–16.[299] The Tide beat#20 Mississippi State, 31–6, for the eighth straight year.[300] Next, Alabama defeated FCS opponentCharleston Southern, 56–6, to secure Saban's eighth consecutive 10-win season.[301] In theIron Bowl, Alabama defeated in-state rivalAuburn, 29–13, to secure the SEC West.[302] The Tide finished the regular season 11–1 for the fifth straight season.[128] In theSEC Championship, Saban secured his sixth conference title when the Tide defeated#18 Florida 29–15. It was Alabama's 25th conference championship, second consecutive title and third in four years.[303] Alabama for the second straight year was selected to theCollege Football Playoff and represented as the #2 seed.[304] On December 12, running backDerrick Henry became Saban's second player to win theHeisman Trophy.[305] In theCollege Football Playoff semifinal at theCotton Bowl, Alabama shut out the #3 seedMichigan State, 38–0.[306] The win was Alabama's first in the College Football Playoff and marked Alabama's first appearance in a national championship game since the 2012 season. Alabama went on to defeat unbeaten#1 Clemson, 45–40, to win theCollege Football Playoff National Championship.[307] The victory marked Alabama's 16th national title and fourth in seven seasons.[308] It was Saban's fifth national title and fourth at Alabama.[309] The Tide finished the season at 14–1.[310]
2016 season
Alabama started Saban'stenth season ranked #1 in the AP and Coaches Poll.[311] 2016 was the ninth consecutive year Alabama was #1 at some point in the season.[312] In their first meeting since the1985 Aloha Bowl, Alabama dominated traditional power#20 USC, 52–6, in theAdvocare Classic atArlington, Texas.[313][314] In their home opener, the Tide took downWestern Kentucky, 38–10.[315] In the conference opener, Alabama avenged their last two regular-season losses, defeating#19 Ole Miss 48–43.[316] The next week Saban took on his alma materKent State with a 48–0 shutout.[317] On homecoming, Alabama defeatedKentucky 34–6.[318] The next week Saban picked up his 10th consecutive victory overArkansas, winning 49–30.[319] In the annualThird Saturday in October, Alabama dominated#9 Tennessee 49–10, to win its tenth in a row over the Vols.[320] In their second straight game versus a top-10 opponent, Alabama defeated#6 Texas A&M 33–14.[321] After a bye week, the Tide went toBaton Rouge to face#15 LSU. In a defensive slugfest, Alabama shut out the Tigers 10–0.[322] The win was also Alabama's sixth in a row over LSU and the first shutout over them since the2012 BCS National Championship Game.[323] The following week Alabama defeatedMississippi State 51–3.[324] The win gave Saban his ninth consecutive season winning 10 or more games.[325] With a win byGeorgia over#9 Auburn, the Tide secured their third consecutive SEC West Division championship, seventh for Saban at Alabama, and tenth overall for his career.[326] The next week the Tide defeated FCS opponentChattanooga 31–3.[327] In theIron Bowl, Saban secured an undefeated regular season by defeating in-state rival#16 Auburn 30–12.[328] This was Alabama's third straight win over the Tigers, the first time since 1990–1992.[329] Alabama finished its regular season 12–0 for the third time in Saban's career at Alabama and first since 2009.[330] In theSEC Championship, Alabama defeated#15 Florida in a rematch of the previous season's title game, 54–16.[331] The win gave Alabama its 26th SEC title, 5th for Saban at Alabama and 7th overall for his career.[332] This was Alabama's third straight conference championship, the first time it had won three straight SEC titles since 1977–1979, and its first three-peat since theSEC Championship Game was added in 1992.[333] Alabama made the College Football Playoff for the third consecutive year and came in as the #1 seed for the second time. The Tide was selected to play in thePeach Bowl against the #4 seedWashington Huskies.[334] In the first meeting with the Huskies since the1986 Sun Bowl,[335] Alabama won 24–7.[336] In arematch of the previous season's National Championship game, Alabama fell short to#2 Clemson 35–31 when the Tigers scored on a game-winning touchdown pass with one second left on the clock.[337] Alabama failed to recover Clemson's onside kick and time ran out.[338] The loss snapped Alabama's 26-game winning streak and was Saban's first loss in a title game.[339] The Tide finished the season at 14–1.[340]
In Saban's11th season, Alabama started the season #1 in both the AP and Coaches Poll for the second consecutive year.[341][342] This was the tenth season in a row that Alabama was #1 at some point during the season and fourth time to start the season under Saban.[343] In theChick-fil-A Kickoff Game in a matchup of top-three teams, Alabama beat#3 Florida State 24–7.[344] Alabama improved to 5–0 in Chick-fil-A games and Saban improved to 11–0 against former assistant coaches.[345][346] In the home opener, the Tide defeatedFresno State 41–10.[347] The next week Alabama defeatedColorado State 41–23.[348] In the conference opener, the Tide dominatedVanderbilt 59–0.[349] The following week, Alabama manhandledOle Miss 66–3, the most points in a game since 1979.[350][351] The next week, Alabama went on the road and defeatedTexas A&M 27–19.[352] The next week, the Tide defeatedArkansas 41–9 for the 11th win in a row in the series.[353] In the annualThird Saturday in October, the Tide defeatedTennessee 45–7.[354] The win was the 11th consecutive victory over the Vols, tying the record set back from 1971 to 1981.[355] Following the bye week, Alabama won its seventh consecutive game over rival#19 LSU 24–10.[356] Alabama then traveled toStarkville and escaped with a 31–24 win over#18 Mississippi State.[357] The win secured Saban's tenth consecutive season with ten or more wins.[358] On Senior Day, Alabama dominated FCS opponentMercer 56–0.[359] The win gave Saban's senior class its 51st win, tying the NCAA record.[360] In theIron Bowl, the Tide suffered its first loss of the season to in-state rival#6 Auburn 26–14.[361] They finished the regular season 11–1.[362] On December 3, Alabama was selected to the College Football Playoff for the fourth consecutive year, becoming the first team to be selected for the playoffs after finishing second in the SEC Western division and not having a chance to play for an SEC Championship. They were chosen as the #4 seed and played the #1 seedClemson Tigers at theSugar Bowl.[363] In the rematch of the previous two National Championship games, Alabama avenged the previous season's only loss, to Clemson, winning 24–6.[364] The win gave Saban his first Sugar Bowl victory as Alabama's coach, ending a three-game losing streak in the bowl.[365] The win secured Saban his third consecutive appearance in theCollege Football Playoff Championship Game.[366] It also gave Saban's Senior class an NCAA-record 52nd win. Alabama took on the #3 seedGeorgia Bulldogs in the second National Championship game between SEC schools.[367] In overtime, backup quarterbackTua Tagovailoa threw the game-winning touchdown pass toDeVonta Smith on a 2nd-and-26 play for a 26–23 victory.[368] This was Alabama's 17th National Championship and fifth title in nine seasons.[369] Saban tiedBear Bryant with six national championships for most in the poll era.[370] The Tide finished the season 13–1.[371]
2018 season
In this twelfth season, Alabama started the season ranked #1 in the AP and coaches poll for the third consecutive year.[372][373] In theCamping World Kickoff inOrlando, Florida, the Tide defeatedLouisville 51–14.[374] In the home opener, the Tide dominatedArkansas State 57–7.[375] In their conference opener againstOle Miss, the Crimson Tide won 62–7.[376] The Tide defeatedJimbo Fisher and#22 Texas A&M 45–23.[377] The following week, Alabama beatLouisiana 56–14.[378] Alabama then went to Fayetteville and defeatedArkansas 65–31 for its 12th consecutive victory over the Hogs.[379] On homecoming, the Tide defeatedMissouri 39–10.[380] In theThird Saturday in October, Alabama defeated rivalTennessee 58–21.[381] It was the longest winning streak against the Vols with 12 wins and most points scored against them.[382] After the bye week, Alabama traveled toBaton Rouge to take on#4 LSU in a matchup between two top-four ranked teams. The Tide shutout the Tigers 29–0, securing its seventh straight division title.[383][384] The win was Saban's eighth consecutive victory over LSU.[385] The win gave Alabama their 900th win in program history.[386] The Tide shutout#18 Mississippi State 24–0, the second consecutive shutout of a conference opponent for first time since 1980.[387][388] The win secured Saban his 11th straight 10-win season.[389] The Tide defeated FCS opponentThe Citadel 50–17.[390] In theIron Bowl, Alabama avenged the previous season's only loss, to rivalAuburn, defeating the Tigers 52–21.[391] The win secured Saban's fourth undefeated regular season.[392] In theSEC Championship, Alabama, behind backup quarterbackJalen Hurts, overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat#4 Georgia 35–28.[393] The win gave Alabama its 27th SEC Championship.[394] It was Saban's eighth conference title, sixth with Alabama. The win also gave Saban's senior class its 54th win, breaking the previous year's NCAA record for most wins.[395] The following day, Alabama was selected for theCollege Football Playoff for the fifth year in a row. They were selected as the #1 seed for the third time and played the #4 seedOklahoma at theOrange Bowl.[396] In the first meeting since the2014 Sugar Bowl, the Tide ended a three-game losing streak to Oklahoma, winning 45–34.[397] It was Alabama's first Orange Bowl win since1966.[398] The Tide advanced to theNational Championship game for the fourth consecutive year and played the #2 seedClemson Tigers. In the third title game in four years against Clemson, Saban suffered his worst loss at Alabama, losing 44–16.[399] Saban fell to 2–2 inCFP championship games.[400] The Tide finished the season 14–1.[401]
2019 season
To start Saban's thirteenth season, Alabama began the year ranked #2 in the AP and coaches poll.[402][403] In theChick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Alabama defeatedDuke 42–3.[404] In the home opener, the Tide rolledNew Mexico State 62–10.[405] In their conference opener, Alabama traveled toColumbia, SC and defeatedSouth Carolina 47–23.[406] In their next game, Alabama defeatedSouthern Miss 49–7.[407] Alabama, back in conference play, defeatedOle Miss 59–31.[408] The next day, Alabama moved to #1 in the AP and Coaches poll.[409] It was the twelfth year in a row Alabama was ranked at the top spot at some point during a season. Following a bye week, Alabama traveled toCollege Station, TX and defeated#24 Texas A&M 47–28.[410] In theThird Saturday in October, the Tide picked up its 13th win a row overTennessee 35–13.[411] On homecoming, Alabama got its 13th consecutive win overArkansas 48–7.[412] After a second bye week, Alabama took on#2 LSU in a matchup of top-3 teams for the second consecutive year. LSU handed Saban his first loss of the season,46–41, snapping an eight-game winning streak against the Tigers.[413] It also snapped Alabama's 31-home-game winning streak.[414] The next week, Alabama defeatedMississippi State 38–7.[415] On Senior Day, the Tide dominatedWestern Carolina 66–3, securing Saban's 12th consecutive 10 win season.[416][417] In theIron Bowl, Saban suffered his second loss of the season to rival#15 Auburn 48–45.[418] It's the first time Saban has lost two games in the regular season since 2010 and didn't qualify for theCollege Football Playoff for the first time.[419][420] Alabama finished the regular season at 10–2 and ranked thirteenth in the final College Football Playoff rankings.[421] They were selected to faceJim Harbaugh and#14 Michigan in theCitrus Bowl. In the first meeting since 2012, The Tide won 35–16. The Tide finished the season 11–2.[422][423]
2020 season
In his 14th season, due to theCOVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Alabama's season was cut to an all conference, ten-game season beginning on September 26.[424] Alabama began the season ranked #3 in the AP and Coaches Poll.[425][426] In the season opener, Alabama went on the road and defeatedMissouri 38–19.[427] In the home opener, Alabama defeated#13 Texas A&M 52–24.[428] The following week Saban took on former assistantLane Kiffin. In a shootout, Alabama defeatedOle Miss 63–48.[429] The 111 points scored was the most in a non-overtime conference game in SEC history.[430] On October 14, 2020, Saban tested positive for COVID-19, along with the university athletic director, Greg Byrne.[431] That Saturday, Saban tested negative and was able to coach Alabama in a top 3 matchup against#3 Georgia. The Tide prevailed 41–24 to improve to 22–0 versus former assistants.[432] In theThird Saturday in October, Alabama won its 14th straight over rivalTennessee 48–17.[433] The next week, the Tide shutoutMississippi State 41–0.[434] Following the bye week, Alabama moved up to #1 in the polls.[435] It's the thirteenth year in a row Alabama has reached the top spot during a season.[436] After an extra week off due toCOVID-19, Alabama returned to play defeatingKentucky 63–3.[437] On November 25, Saban returned a positive COVID-19 test. He missed the following game against#22 Auburn in theIron Bowl, which Alabama won 42–13.[438] The next week, Saban was back on the sideline, as Alabama routedLSU 55–17.[439] The win secured Alabama the SEC West division title, its 15th overall and Saban's 12th as a coach.[440] Alabama finished the regular season undefeated after defeatingArkansas 52–3.[441] It was Saban's fifth undefeated regular season at Alabama.[442] It marks Alabama's 13th consecutive ten-win season as well.[443] In theSEC Championship, Alabama hung on in a high scoring game against#7 Florida 52–46.[444] The win secured Alabama its 28th SEC title and gave Saban his ninth overall.[445] The following day, Alabama was selected for theCollege Football Playoff for the sixth time in seven years. Alabama was selected as the #1 seed and played the #4 seedNotre Dame in theRose Bowl.[446] In the first meeting since the2013 BCS National Championship Game, the Tide defeated the Irish 31–14. It was Alabama's first appearance and win in the Rose Bowl since1946.[447] On January 5, 2021,DeVonta Smith became Saban's thirdHeisman Trophy winner.Mac Jones andNajee Harris finished third and fifth respectively in voting.[448] Alabama became the second program to have three players finish in the top five in Heisman voting, joining Army's 1946 team.[449] In the2021 College Football Playoff National Championship, Alabama defeated#3 Ohio State 52–24 to win its 18th National Championship.[450] The win gave Saban his seventh overall National Title, and sixth with the Crimson Tide. Saban passedPaul W. Bryant for most titles all time.[451] It was Saban's second undefeated season and first since 2009. The Tide finished the season 13–0.[452]
2021 season
On June 7, 2021, Saban agreed to a contract extension with Alabama.[453] The deal runs through the 2028 season.[454]
In his 15th season, Alabama started the season #1 in the preseason AP and Coaches poll, marking the 14th consecutive season the Tide have had the #1 ranking.[455][456][457] It's the sixth time Alabama has started the season No. 1 under Saban.[458] In theChick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Alabama defeated#14 Miami (FL) 44–13 in their first meeting since the1993 Sugar Bowl.[459][460] In the home opener, the Tide defeatedMercer 48–14.[461] The following week, Alabama traveled to Gainesville to take on#11 Florida. In the conference opener, The Tide won a close game 31–29.[462] The next week, Alabama defeatedSouthern Miss 63–14.[463] In the following game, Alabama took on#12 Ole Miss and won 42–21.[464] Alabama traveled toCollege Station, Texas, to playTexas A&M in the next game. In a back and forth game, the Aggies kicked a last second 28-yard field goal to upset the Tide 41–38.[465] The loss snapped a 19-game win streak, an eight-game win streak against the Aggies, and a 100-game win streak against unranked opponents dating back to 2007.[466][467][468] The next week, Alabama bounced back defeatingMississippi State 49–9.[469] In theThird Saturday in October, Alabama defeatedTennessee 52–24 for its 15th consecutive win in the series.[470] Following the bye week, Alabama won a close game againstLSU 20–14.[471] Alabama wrapped up non-conference play againstNew Mexico State winning 59–3.[472] On Senior Day, Alabama won another close game over#21 Arkansas 42–35.[473] The win secured Saban his eleventh SEC West title at Alabama.[474] The win gave him his 14th consecutive 10-win season, tyingBobby Bowden for most all time.[475] In theIron Bowl, Alabama playedAuburn in the first overtime game in the rivalry's history, winning 24–22 in four overtimes.[476] The Tide finished the regular season 11–1.[477] In theSEC Championship, Alabama took on#1 Georgia winning 41–24.[478] The victory marked Saban's eighth SEC title with Alabama, and the Tide's 29th SEC championship.[479][480] The following day, Alabama was selected to theCollege Football Playoff for the seventh time in eight seasons. They were chosen as the #1 seed and played the #4 seedCincinnati in the first meeting between the schools since 1990.[481][482] On December 11,Bryce Young became Saban's fourthHeisman Trophy winner.[483] The win ties him withFrank Leahy for most Heisman winners.[484] In theCotton Bowl Classic, Alabama defeated Cincinnati 27–6.[485] The win secured Saban's ninth title game appearance in 13 seasons.[486] The Tide played #3 Georgia in a rematch of the SEC Championship in the third All-SEC National title game.[487][488] In theCFP National Championship, Saban suffered his third title game loss, losing 33–18.[489] The Tide finished the season 13–2.[490]
In his 16th season, Alabama started the year ranked #1 in the preseason AP and Coaches Poll.[491][492] 2022 marked the 15th consecutive season the Tide have been #1 at some point of the year.[493] In the season opener, Alabama shutoutUtah State 55–0.[494] Alabama traveled toAustin, Texas, for the first time since 1922 to playTexas.[495] In the first meeting since the2010 BCS National Championship Game, Alabama overcame a late deficit to win 20–19.[496] The following week, Alabama defeatedLouisiana Monroe 63–7.[497] Alabama opened up conference play with a 55–3 win overVanderbilt.[498] The next week, the Tide traveled toFayetteville and defeated#20 Arkansas 49–26.[499] In the following game, the Tide defeatedTexas A&M 24–20, avenging last season's only regular season loss.[500] In theThird Saturday in October, Saban suffered his first loss as Alabama coach against#6 Tennessee, losing 52–49 on a last second field goal atNeyland Stadium inKnoxville.[501] The loss snapped Alabama's longest winning streak against the Vols at fifteen.[502] On homecoming, the Tide bounced back defeating#24 Mississippi State 30–6.[503] Following a bye week, Alabama traveled toBaton Rouge in a top ten matchup against#10 LSU. Saban suffered his second loss of the season, losing 32–31 in overtime.[504] Alabama bounced back with a close win over#11 Ole Miss 30–24.[505] The next week, Alabama shutoutAustin Peay 34–0.[506] In theIron Bowl, the Tide defeatedAuburn 49–27.[507] The win secured Saban his fifteenth consecutive ten-win season, a new NCAA record.[508] Alabama finished the regular season 10-2 and was selected to play#9 Kansas State in theSugar Bowl.[509] In the first meeting between the two schools, Alabama won 45–20.[510] The Tide finished the season 11–2.[511]
2023 season
In Saban's 17th season, Alabama started the year ranked #4 in the preseasonAP poll and #3 in the coaches poll.[512][513] In the season opener, Alabama defeatedMiddle Tennessee 56–7.[514] The following week, the Tide hosted#11 Texas in the Allstate Crossbar Classic losing 34–24.[515] The loss snapped a 57-game winning streak against non conference opponents in the regular season.[516] The next week Alabama travelled toTampa, FL to playSouth Florida. The Tide struggled but won 17–3.[517] Alabama opened up conference play with a 24–10 win over#15 Ole Miss.[518] The next week they defeatedMississippi State 40–17 for its sixteenth consecutive win in the series.[519] Alabama traveled toCollege Station, TX winning a close game overTexas A&M 26–20.[520] On homecoming, Alabama won a close game overArkansas 24–21.[521] The win gave Saban his 200th on-field win at Alabama.[522] In theThird Saturday in October, Alabama avenged last season's loss against#17 Tennessee winning 34–20.[523] Following a bye week, Alabama avenged their other regular season loss from last season defeating#14 LSU 42–28.[524] The next week Alabama defeatedKentucky 49–21 to win the SEC Western Division title.[525] It is Saban's 15th overall division title and 13th with Alabama. On Senior Day, Alabama routed FCS opponentChattanooga 66–10.[526] The win gave Saban his sixteenth straight 10-win season.[527] In theIron Bowl, quarterbackJalen Milroe on 4th and goal threw a 31-yard touchdown pass with 32 seconds left to defeatAuburn 27–24.[528][529] The win made Saban the first Alabama coach sinceBear Bryant in 1981 to defeat Auburn four years in a row.[530] The Tide finished the regular season 11–1.[531] In theSEC Championship, Alabama defeated#1 Georgia 27–24, snapping Georgia's 29 game win streak.[532] The win secured Alabama its 30th SEC Championship.[533] The win gave Saban his eleventh SEC title and ninth with Alabama.[534] The following day, Alabama was selected for theCollege Football Playoff for the eighth time.[535] They were selected as the #4 seed and would play the #1 seedMichigan in theRose Bowl.[536] In the first meeting since the2020 Citrus Bowl, Michigan knocked off Alabama 27–20 in overtime.[537] It was Saban's first playoff semifinal loss since 2014.[538] The loss snapped a fifteen-year streak of being ranked #1 in the polls at any time during the season and marked the first time at Alabama that Saban went three consecutive seasons without winning a national championship.[539] The Tide finished the season 12–2.[531] Saban announced his retirement from coaching on January 10, 2024.[540] Saban finished his coaching career at Alabama with a record of 201–29.[541]
In 2024, the University of Alabama named the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium after Saban. On September 7, the field officially became known as Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium at a dedication.[542]
In June 2024,The Tuscaloosa News reported that Saban currently serves in an advisory role for Alabama's athletics program with an annual salary of $500,000 and also has an office at Bryant–Denny Stadium.[543]
Record against conference opponents
In his time as a head coach, Saban recorded a 161–33 (.829) record in SEC Conference play.[544]
Since 2023, Saban has appeared as a weekly guest onThe Pat McAfee Show during the college football season.[545]
On February 7, 2024, Saban was hired by ESPN as an analyst forCollege GameDay, beginning with the 2024 college football season. The network announced that Saban would contribute to its NFL Draft and SEC Media Days coverage as well.[546] Saban had appeared on the network previously as a guest analyst duringCollege Football Playoff coverage.[547]
Personal life
Saban is a devoutCatholic; he arranged for himself and his players who were Catholic to receiveMass before each game, usually local clergy presided over the brief services.[548] The Sabans attend St. Francis of Assisi University Parish inTuscaloosa.[549] St. Francis' parish priest, Father Gerald Holloway, served as a chaplain for the football team before he was transferred.[550]
Saban is ofCroatian heritage.[551]Bill Belichick and Saban are friends, having known each other since 1982.[552] In 2019, when Saban spoke about their relationship, he said: "Sometimes people have a real true love and respect for someone. You really love to see them have this success and continue to have this success. I don't know how many people can really understand that kind of relationship. That's kind of how I feel about Bill."[553]
Saban in 2010
Saban shares his last name with another famous football coach,Lou Saban. They were called "distant cousins" in a 2005 article where Lou comments on the younger Saban's success.[554] Upon the death of Lou Saban, his widow Joyce Saban said the two men might have been second cousins,[555] but their families say they are not related.[556]
Saban made a cameo appearance as himself in the 2009 filmThe Blind Side, and requested to simply repeat a conversation he had withMichael Oher rather than follow the script, which directorJohn Lee Hancock allowed him to do.[557] In August 2010, the documentaryNick Saban: Gamechanger was released.[558] Included in the film are interviews from Belichick and Alabama athletic directorMal Moore, among others.[559]
Saban and his wife Terry have been married for over 50 years.[560] They have two adopted children: Nicholas and Kristen.[561] The Sabans are the co-founders of the foundation Nick's Kids. This foundation has been used by the Sabans to help support children's needs ever since Saban started head coaching. In the first three years at Alabama, Nick's Kids raised more thanUS$1million.[562] Saban owns a vacation home onLake Burton in northeastGeorgia and purchased a beach house inJupiter, Florida in 2023.[563][564] He is the co-owner of Dream Motors, a collection of luxury car dealerships across theSouth, in partnership with formerMercedes-Benz USA CEO Steve Cannon.[565]
Outside of football, Saban keeps in touch with his players, taking a mentor role to his former players.[566] Saban not only speaks with NFL players, but former athletes that have moved on past football, such asEryk Anders, linebacker turned pro fighter in theUltimate Fighting Championship.[567]
In 2022, Saban co-signed a letter directed at SenatorJoe Manchin, voicing support for the passage of theFreedom to Vote Act, while including a footnote that he does not support the removal of the filibuster in the Senate.[568] Saban and Manchin grew up together in West Virginia,[569] and Saban had previously endorsed Manchin for Senate in2018.[570]
Coaching tree
Saban is from theDon Jamescoaching tree.[571] After Saban finished his degree at Kent State in 1972, James convinced him to join the Kent State coaching staff as a graduate assistant.[572] Saban's coaching career encompasses theBill Belichick coaching tree, having worked as his defensive coordinator during Belichick's tenure as head coach of theCleveland Browns.[573] Saban worked with Belichick's father,Steve, while on the staff together at Navy in 1982.[574]
^abcdefghSaban's on-the-field record in 2007 was 7–6 (4–4 SEC).[1] The NCAA ruled that Alabama must vacate 21victories due to sanctions stemming from textbook-related infractions. The infractions, and 16of the vacated victories, began under previous coachMike Shula, and continued until they were discovered during the 2007 season, Saban's first at Alabama, and thus the official NCAA record for that year reflects a 2–6 mark.[2]
^abcdSaban resigned as head coach at Michigan State following the end of the 1999 regular season.Bobby Williams succeeded Saban as head coach and led the Spartans to a victory in theFlorida Citrus Bowl. Michigan State finished the season with an overall record of 10–2 and ranked seventh in both theAP Poll and theCoaches Poll.
^In 2002,Alabama finished first in Western Division of theSoutheastern Conference (SEC) with a conference record of 6–2, but was ineligible for the division title or postseason play as part of a penalty forNational Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) violations. LSU,Arkansas, andAuburn tied for second place, each with a 5–3 mark in the conference, and were named co-champions. Arkansas was awarded a berth in theSEC Championship Game by virtue of their head-to-head wins over Auburn and LSU.
^abSchexnayder, C. J. (April 26, 2013)."Nick Saban".Encyclopedia of Alabama.Archived from the original on December 9, 2022. RetrievedDecember 24, 2022.
^Bergener, John (December 22, 1989)."Saban named UT football coach".The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. p. 24.Archived from the original on April 17, 2023. RetrievedFebruary 19, 2012.
^Hackenberg, Dave (February 14, 1991)."UT begins the search...again".The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. p. 29.Archived from the original on April 17, 2023. RetrievedFebruary 19, 2012.
^Thamel, Pete (October 11, 2009)."Alabama Outclasses Ole Miss".The New York Times.Archived from the original on December 28, 2022. RetrievedDecember 28, 2022.
^Stanton, Edwin (October 19, 2019)."Revisiting 'Rocky Block'".The Tuscaloosa News.Archived from the original on December 28, 2022. RetrievedDecember 28, 2022.
^Thamel, Pete (January 8, 2010)."Alabama Returns to the Top".The New York Times.Archived from the original on December 28, 2022. RetrievedDecember 28, 2022.
^Waack, Terrin (November 26, 2018)."Alabama avenges Auburn".The Tuscaloosa News.Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. RetrievedDecember 18, 2022.
^Froyd, Crissy (November 9, 2019)."LSU Defeats Alabama, 46–41".And The Valley Shook.Archived from the original on December 17, 2022. RetrievedDecember 17, 2022.
^Fialkov, Harvey; Hijek, Barbara (December 4, 2005)."Sabans Know Coaching".Sun-Sentinel. Archived fromthe original on December 8, 2015. RetrievedNovember 27, 2022.
^DeFazio, Tony (December 16, 2010)."Pitt hires Mike Haywood".Pittsburgh Sports Report.Archived from the original on November 28, 2022. RetrievedNovember 28, 2022.
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