Nick Saban

Nicholas Lou Saban Jr. (/seɪbən/; born October 31, 1951)[3] is an American football coach who has been the head football coach at the University of Alabama since 2007. Saban previously served as head coach of the National Football League's Miami Dolphins and at three other universities: Louisiana State University (LSU), Michigan State University, and the University of Toledo. Saban is considered by many to be the greatest coach in college football history.[4][5][6]

Not to be confused with Nick Sagan.

Nick Saban
Saban in 2009
Current position
TitleHead coach
TeamAlabama
ConferenceSEC
Record165–23[n 1]
Annual salary$9.3 million [2]
Biographical details
Born (1951-10-31) October 31, 1951
Fairmont, West Virginia
Playing career
1970–1972Kent State
Position(s)Defensive back
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1973–1974Kent State (GA)
1975–1976Kent State (LB)
1977Syracuse (OLB)
1978–1979West Virginia (DB)
1980–1981Ohio State (DB)
1982Navy (DB)
1983–1987Michigan State (DC/DB)
1988–1989Houston Oilers (DB)
1990Toledo
1991–1994Cleveland Browns (DC)
1995–1999Michigan State
2000–2004LSU
2005–2006Miami Dolphins
2007–presentAlabama
Head coaching record
Overall256–65–1 (college)[n 1]
15–17 (NFL)
Bowls17–10
Tournaments8–3 (CFP)
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
  • 7 National (2003, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020)
  • 9 SEC (2001, 2003, 2009, 2012, 2014–2016, 2018, 2020)
  • 1 MAC (1990)
  • 13 SEC Western Division (2001–2003, 2008, 2009, 2012–2018, 2020)
Awards

Saban led the LSU Tigers to the BCS National Championship in 2003 and the Alabama Crimson Tide to BCS and AP national championships in 2009, 2011, 2012, and College Football Playoff championships in 2015, 2017 and 2020. He has won seven national titles as a head coach, the most in college football history.[7] He became the first coach in college football history to win a national championship with two different Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools since the inception of the AP Poll in 1936.[8] Saban and Bear Bryant are the only coaches to win an SEC championship at two different schools.[9] Saban's career record as a college head coach is 256–65–1.[n 1]

In 2013, Saban was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.[10]

Early life and education

Saban was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, to Mary and Nick Lou Saban Sr. He and a sister, Dianna, grew up and graduated from Monongah High School[11] in the small community of Monongah, West Virginia, about 25 miles southwest of Morgantown. He played quarterback on the 1968 West Virginia state championship team.[12] Among his teammates were Kerry Marbury who went on to star for the West Virginia Mountaineers and play in the Canadian Football League.[13] His father passed away when Saban was in the first year of Graduate school.[14]

On December 18, 1971, he married Terry Constable, who was also from West Virginia. In 1973, Saban graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor's degree in business. In 1975, he earned his master's degree in sports administration from Kent State.[15]

Saban is of Croatian ancestry. His paternal grandfather, Stanko Saban, was born in 1895 in Gospić in the Lika region of Croatia. Stanko emigrated to Portland, Oregon in 1908 when he was 13 years old. He later married Anna Mihalic, of Croatian-American heritage. They had four children, including Nick Saban Sr.

Saban played defensive back for Kent State under coach Don James. He and a roommate avoided being part of the Kent State shootings when they decided to eat lunch before walking to the rally area.[16]

Coaching career

Early coaching career

Saban had not intended to enter the coaching ranks until Don James hired him as a graduate assistant at Kent State, while Saban waited for his wife to graduate.[17] He later served as an assistant coach in NCAA Division I-A, at several schools: Syracuse in 1977, West Virginia in 1978 and 1979, Ohio State in 1980 and 1981, Navy in 1982, and Michigan State from 1983 to 1987.[18]

After the 1987 season, Kent State passed over Saban for its vacant head coaching position and hired Dick Crum.[19] Saban was then hired as an assistant for the Houston Oilers in the National Football League.[18]

Toledo

Saban began his career as a head coach when he was hired by the University of Toledo on December 22, 1989.[20] Coming off of 6–5 seasons in both 1988 and 1989, the Rockets found quick success under Nick Saban in 1990. With a 9–2 season, Toledo was co-champion of the Mid-American Conference. The two games the Rockets lost that season were by narrow margins: one point to Central Michigan and four points to Navy.[21] While coaching in Toledo, Saban turned down an application from future head coach Urban Meyer, who was looking for any coaching job on Saban's staff.[22]

Cleveland Browns

The following February, Saban resigned as Toledo's head coach after only one season in order to become defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns under head coach Bill Belichick.[23] He remained in that position for four seasons. Saban later said these four years were the "worst of my life".[24]

Michigan State

Saban became head coach of Michigan State prior to the 1995 season. Michigan State had not had a winning season since 1990, and the team was sanctioned by the NCAA for recruiting violations that were committed under his predecessor and former mentor, George Perles.[25]

Beginning in 1995, Saban moderately improved Michigan State's fortunes, taking the Spartans to bowl games in each of his first three seasons. From 1995 to 1997, Michigan State finished 6–5–1, 6–6, and 7–5. In comparison, MSU had finished 5–6, 6–6, and 5–6 (prior to NCAA forfeits) in 1992–1994.

On November 7, 1998, the Spartans upset the No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 28–24 at Ohio Stadium. 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.

Saban led the 1999 Spartans to a 9–2 season that included wins over Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. The two losses were routs at the hands of Purdue and Wisconsin. Following the final regular-season game against Penn State, Saban abruptly resigned to accept the head coaching position with LSU. Saban's assistant head coach and successor, Bobby Williams, coached the Spartans to a Citrus Bowl victory over Florida, giving the Spartans an overall record of 10–2 for the 1999 season. It was the most wins for the Spartans in a season since 1965, and the Spartans reached their highest ranking since the 1966 team.[26] Future NFL head coach Josh McDaniels served as a graduate assistant on Saban's 1999 coaching staff.

LSU

In November 1999, LSU named Nick Saban as their 31st head football coach.[27] In 2000, the Tigers went 8–4 and won the Peach Bowl. The season was somewhat marred by several lopsided losses, including a 34–17 loss to the Auburn Tigers, and a 41–9 loss to the Florida Gators.

Saban led LSU to a 10–3 record in 2001, including an SEC Championship and a Sugar Bowl victory. After a loss to the Ole Miss Rebels, the Tigers finished the year with six straight wins, including a win over #2 Tennessee in the 2001 SEC Championship Game, and a 47–34 win over Illinois in the 2002 Sugar Bowl. It was the first outright SEC championship for LSU since 1986, and the first time the Tigers had won the Sugar Bowl since 1968.

The 2002 season opened with high expectations, but a 26–8 loss at the hands of Virginia Tech raised serious questions about their outlook. However, the Tigers would rebound to win their next six straight, but after a mid-season injury to quarterback Matt Mauck, LSU lost four of its last six games to close the season, including a 21–20 loss at Arkansas, which knocked the Tigers out of the SEC Championship Game, and forced them to share the SEC West Division title with the Razorbacks. LSU also suffered a 35–20 loss to Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic, and finished 8–5.

The 2003 Tigers started the season with five wins, including a 17–10 victory in Tiger Stadium over the defending SEC champion, and then-undefeated, Georgia Bulldogs. LSU lost the following week to Florida, 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 the Arkansas Razorbacks to win the SEC West. After winning the SEC West, the Tigers defeated the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. They were ranked No. 2 in the BCS standings and advanced to play the BCS No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners in the Sugar Bowl, which was the host of the BCS Championship Game in 2003. The Tigers won the game 21–14. The win gave LSU the BCS national championship[28] and a 13–1 finish for the season.[29]

LSU finished the 2004 season 9–3, after losing to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Capital One Bowl 30–25 on a final play touchdown pass. Other losses that season were on the road at Auburn 10–9, and a loss on the road to Georgia 45–16. At the end of the 2004 season, Saban left LSU to coach the Miami Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins

Saban accepted the head coaching position for the Miami Dolphins on December 25, 2004. He was the sixth coach in the franchise's history. The Nick Saban era officially kicked off with a 34–10 win over the Denver Broncos in 2005. From there, however, the Dolphins struggled, losing seven of their next nine games to fall to 3–7. The two wins came over the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints, a game that took place in Tiger Stadium due to Hurricane Katrina. After a frustrating two months, however, the Dolphins would rally late in the season, as they won their final six games, including a win to end the season in Foxboro, Massachusetts over the New England Patriots. The team finished the year with a 9–7 record, and narrowly missed the playoffs in Saban's first season.

Going into the 2006 season, the Dolphins were expected to contend for a playoff spot. The season, however, turned out to be a major disappointment. The Dolphins were considering quarterback Drew Brees, who had just been released from the San Diego Chargers due to a career-threatening shoulder injury and subsequent contract dispute, but instead signed Daunte Culpepper, who was still recovering from a knee injury from the previous season. Culpepper never fully recovered and was ultimately benched after the fourth game of the season, when the Dolphins lost to the Houston Texans. He was eventually put on injured reserve. After starting the season 1–6, however, the Dolphins got hot. They won four straight games, including wins over the Chicago Bears, who were previously unbeaten and made it to the Super Bowl that year, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Suddenly, the Dolphins were back in the playoff hunt at 5–6, but a 24–10 loss the following week to the Jacksonville Jaguars all but ended their playoff hopes. The Dolphins would rebound the following week with a 21–0 win over the New England Patriots. The win would be the last bright spot for the Dolphins in the 2006 season. Quarterback Joey Harrington was eventually benched in favor of third-string quarterback Cleo Lemon. While the defense was very good, the offense was anemic, with the only bright spot being running back Ronnie Brown, who gained over 1,000 rushing yards on the season. The Dolphins would lose their next two games to the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets to finish 6–10, Saban's first losing season as a head coach.

On November 27, 2006, the University of Alabama announced the firing of head coach Mike 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.[30] 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."[31][32] Saban met with Alabama officials on January 1, 2007,[33] which was shortly after the Dolphins' season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Alabama
Main article: Alabama Crimson Tide football under Nick Saban

2007 season

On January 3, 2007, following a meeting with Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga, Saban announced that he had accepted an offer to become Alabama's 27th head coach.[34] His initial eight-year contract totaling US$32 million made him one of the highest-paid football coaches,[35] professional or collegiate, in the United States at the time.[36]

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. On September 1, 2007, his Crimson Tide opened the season with a 52–6 win over the Western Carolina Catamounts, scoring more points than during any game in the 2006 season. Saban became the fifth Alabama coach since 1900 to start his first season 3–0, earning a win over then-ranked No. 16 Arkansas Razorbacks.[37] Alabama ended the regular season with a 6–6 record, including a four-game losing streak, a particularly humiliating loss at home to Louisiana-Monroe, and a sixth straight loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl. The Crimson Tide defeated Colorado in the 2007 Independence Bowl, 30–24, to end the year 7–6.[n 1]

2008 season

During his second 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 since 1994. He appeared on the September 1, 2008, cover of Forbes magazine as "The Most Powerful Coach in Sports."[38]

His second season at the Capstone began with a 34–10 victory over the No. 9 ranked Clemson Tigers in the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff in the Georgia Dome. Three weeks later Alabama had a convincing 49–14 road-win over Arkansas. The Tide followed that victory with an impressive 41–30 win over the No. 3 ranked Georgia Bulldogs. After the Georgia game, the Tide won consecutive home games against the Kentucky Wildcats and the Ole Miss Rebels and finished the month of October with a 29–9 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. Following a 35–0 homecoming victory over Arkansas State, the Crimson Tide rose to No. 1 in all major polls in Week 10‍—‌following a loss by No. 1 Texas to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. It was the first time since the 1980 season that Alabama held the top spot during the regular season.[39]

The Tide took their No. 1 ranking into Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and came out with a 27–21 overtime victory over LSU. With the win, Alabama clinched its first SEC Western Division Championship since 1999 and guaranteed the team a trip to the 2008 SEC championship game. The Tide then improved to 11–0 with a win at home over Mississippi State. To finish the regular season, Bama defeated in-state rival Auburn, 36–0, the largest margin of victory in the series since 1962. It was Alabama's first victory over Auburn since the 2001 season. In the SEC Championship Game, Alabama suffered its first defeat in a 31–20 loss to the SEC Eastern Division Champion Florida Gators (who later won the 2008 BCS Championship), and closed out the season with a 31–17 loss to Utah in the Sugar Bowl[40] to finish the season at 12–2. For his efforts during the season, Saban received several Coach of the Year awards.[41][42][43]

2009 season

No. 5 Alabama began Saban's third year by defeating the No. 7 ranked Virginia Tech Hokies in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, 34–24. The Crimson Tide followed up with wins over Florida International and North Texas. The following week Alabama won its conference opener over Arkansas, 35–7. In its fifth game of the year, Alabama beat Kentucky, 38–20. The sixth game of the season featured a hard-fought defensive battle with Bama defeating Ole Miss, 22–3. The seventh game was the same as Alabama defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks, 20–6. The next day, Alabama moved up to No. 1 in the AP poll for the second straight year. The next week Alabama beat Tennessee 12–10, when 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.[44]

After a bye week, Alabama clinched its second straight SEC West Division Championship by knocking off LSU, 24–15. The next week Alabama defeated Mississippi State, 31–3, securing the second straight 10-win season for Alabama. Following a 45–0 shutout of Chattanooga, on Black Friday, Alabama came from behind to defeat Gene Chizik's Auburn Tigers, 26–21, marking the first time since 1973–1974 Alabama had finished the regular season undefeated in consecutive years, and the first consecutive 12-win seasons. The Crimson Tide defeated the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship, 32–13, in a rematch of the previous year's championship game. The championship represented Alabama's 22nd SEC title and its first since 1999. Saban's Crimson Tide ended the season with a 37–21 victory over the Texas Longhorns in the National Championship to finish a perfect 14–0. The win secured Saban's second national championship and Alabama's 13th, and its first in the BCS era. 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. 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 of Bryant–Denny Stadium.

2010 season

At the start of his fourth season, Alabama was overwhelmingly chosen as the preseason No. 1 team in both the AP and Coaches Poll. It was the first time since 1978 that the Crimson Tide started the season ranked N. 1.[45] In the season opener in front a record crowd of 101,821, Alabama defeated San Jose State, 48–3. The following week, the Tide defeated Joe Paterno and the #23 Penn State 24–3 in their first meeting since 1990. The next week against Duke, Mark Ingram made his first start of the 2010 season leading Alabama to a 62–13 victory.[46] The next week Alabama overcame a 20–7 deficit to win its conference opener against #10 Arkansas, 24–20.[47] On October 2, Alabama defeated #7 Florida 31–6. The following week Alabama lost to #19 South Carolina 35–21, snapping a 19-game win streak (29 in regular season).[48]

Saban leads the "Walk of Champions" prior to the Iron Bowl

Alabama bounced back with a 23–10 win over Ole Miss, and followed that up with a 41–10 victory over Tennessee. After a bye week, Alabama suffered its second loss of the season, losing to #10 LSU, 24–21. The following week, Alabama bounced back at home defeating #17 Mississippi State, 30–10. The game marked the 800th victory for the University of Alabama's football program. The following week Alabama defeated Georgia State 63–7, the most points for Alabama since 1979.[49] In the Iron Bowl, Alabama lost to in-state rival (and eventual BCS champions) #2 Auburn 28–27, snapping a 20-game home winning streak. 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. Alabama was selected to play in the 2011 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. The bowl victory brought Alabama to 10–3 on the season and secured Alabama's third consecutive 10-win season.[50]

2011 season

At the start of his fifth season, Alabama came into the season ranked No. 2 in the country. In the first game of the season, Alabama defeated Saban's alma mater Kent State 48–7. The next week, Alabama traveled to Penn State for the first time since 1989 and defeated Joe Paterno and #23 Nittany Lions 27–11. Alabama recorded its first shutout of the season by defeating North Texas 41–0. In the conference opener, Alabama defeated #12 Arkansas 38–14. The next week Alabama traveled to The Swamp and defeated the 12th-ranked Florida Gators 38–10. The following week at homecoming, Alabama shut out Vanderbilt, defeating them 34–0. Alabama then traveled to Oxford and destroyed Ole Miss 52–7. In week 8, Alabama defeated their rival Tennessee 37–6 by scoring 31 unanswered points in the second half. After a bye week, Alabama played host to #1 LSU, losing in overtime 9–6. This was the first time in SEC history that two conference teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the polls played each other during the regular season.

Alabama rebounded the next week after struggling in the first half, with a win over Mississippi State 24–7. The next week, Alabama defeated FCS 3rd ranked Georgia Southern 45–21 on Senior Day. This win gave Saban his fourth consecutive 10-win season, tying Bear Bryant from 1977 to 1980. In the Iron Bowl, Alabama defeated Auburn 42–14. This was Saban's third win over the Tigers in four years. On December 4, Alabama was selected to face LSU in the BCS 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. In the rematch, Alabama defeated the Tigers 21–0 with a dominating defensive performance, improving Saban's record to 3–3 against Les Miles and his former employer, LSU.[51] The win secured Saban his third BCS Championship, his second with Alabama, and the 14th National Championship for the Alabama football team. He is the only coach in college football to win three BCS Championships and the first coach since Nebraska's Tom Osborne to win three National Championships.

2012 season

At the start of his sixth season, Alabama came into the season ranked No. 2 in both preseason polls for the second consecutive year. Alabama opened the season at Cowboys Stadium against #8 Michigan in the first meeting between the schools since the 2000 Orange Bowl with Alabama winning 41–14. The next week, Alabama moved up to No. 1 in both polls, marking the fifth consecutive year the Tide have reached the top spot. A few days later, Alabama shut out Western Kentucky 35–0. Alabama opened up conference play the next week by routing Arkansas 52–0 in their sixth consecutive win over the Razorbacks. In week 4, Alabama defeated Florida Atlantic 40–7, giving Saban his 150th win. The next week, the Tide defeated Ole Miss 33–14. Following a bye week, Alabama traveled to Columbia, Missouri for the first time since 1978 and defeated the Missouri Tigers 42–10 in their first meeting as conference opponents. The next week Alabama defeated their rival Tennessee 44–13 for the sixth consecutive year. On homecoming, Alabama beat undefeated #13 Mississippi State 38–7.

In a rematch of the 2012 BCS National Championship Game, Alabama overcame a late deficit with less than a minute remaining to defeat #5 LSU 21–17. The next week, Alabama suffered their first loss of the season to new conference member #15 Texas A&M 29–24. Alabama rebounded the following week recording its third shutout of the season defeating Western Carolina 49–0. The win secured Alabama's fifth consecutive 10-win season, tying the longest streak from 1971 to 1975. In the Iron Bowl, Alabama defeated Auburn 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. It is Alabama's fourth shutout of the season (second time back-to-back) and second year in a row the Tide finish the regular season 11–1. In the SEC Championship, Alabama overcame a late drive by #3 Georgia to defeat the Bulldogs 32–28 winning the schools 23rd conference title. The 2012 title was Alabama's first conference championship since 2009 and Saban's fourth overall (2nd with Alabama). The win also clinched a spot in a BCS bowl game for the fourth time in five years. On December 2, Alabama finished second in the final BCS rankings for the second consecutive season. 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 the 2013 BCS National Championship Game. The win gave Alabama their 15th national championship and their third championship in four years. Alabama won back-to-back national titles for the first time since 1978 and 1979. The title was Saban's fourth national championship and his third with the Crimson Tide, tying him with Wallace Wade for second all-time at Alabama.

2013 season

As the 2013 campaign began, Saban's Crimson Tide was ranked No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches preseason polls for the first time since 2010. In the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Alabama defeated Virginia Tech 35–10 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Following a bye week, Alabama traveled to College 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. The Crimson Tide then went on to defeat Colorado State, which was coached by Alabama's former offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, 31–6. #21 Ole Miss Rebels was next up for Alabama, which shut out the Rebels 25–0 for its tenth straight win in the series. The following week saw Alabama beat Georgia State 45–3. Alabama then went on the road and defeated Kentucky 48–7. And for the second straight year Alabama defeated Arkansas 52–0. In the Third Saturday in October, The Tide defeated Tennessee 45–10 to win its seventh consecutive game over the Vols. 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. The Crimson Tide then defeated Mississippi State 20–7 in a defensive bout. The win gave Alabama its sixth straight ten-win season, the longest in school history. On Senior day, the Tide knocked off FCS opponent Chattanooga 49–0.

Up next was the Iron 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, however, 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 attempt 109 yards for a touchdown as time expired. The 28–34 loss knocked Alabama out of contention for the SEC Championship and dashed The Tide's hope for a national championship. Alabama finished the regular season 11–1 for the third consecutive year and clinched a share with Auburn of the SEC West Division title. At the end of the regular season, Alabama finished ranked No. 3 in the final BCS rankings and earned an at-large bid to the 2014 Sugar Bowl. Alabama accepted an invitation to play in its third straight BCS bowl game and fifth in Saban's seven seasons at Alabama. In the Sugar Bowl, Alabama lost to #11 Oklahoma 45–31. This was Saban's second bowl loss at Alabama and first since the 2009 Sugar Bowl against Utah. The Tide finished the season at 11–2.

2014 season

Starting in his eighth season, Alabama began the year ranked No. 2 in the preseason AP and Coaches Poll for the third time in four years. 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. In the season opener, Alabama improved to 4–0 in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game beating West Virginia 33–23 in the first meeting between the two schools. The Tide won their home opener the next week over Florida Atlantic 41–0 after the game was called in the fourth quarter due to lightning. The following week they defeated Southern Miss 52–12. In their conference opener, Alabama put up 645 yards of offense beating Florida 42–21. Following a bye week Alabama was voted No. 1 in the Coaches Poll marking the seventh consecutive season Alabama has reached the top spot. 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. In Saban's 100th game with the Tide, Alabama bounced back, narrowly defeating Arkansas 14–13 for its eighth consecutive victory in the series. The next week the Tide dominated #21 Texas A&M shutting them out 59–0 which is the 4th largest victory in school history. In their annual rivalry with Tennessee, Alabama won their eighth straight over the Vols 34–20. 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. 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. Alabama then defeated FCS opponent Western Carolina 48–14. The win secured Alabama its seventh consecutive ten-win season. In the Iron 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. The Tide finished the regular season 11–1 for the 4th straight season and won the SEC West. It was Saban's 5th division title at Alabama (8th overall for his career). In the 2014 SEC Championship Game, Saban won his 5th SEC title (3rd with Alabama) defeating #14 Missouri 42–13. It was Alabama's 24th SEC championship and first since 2012. Alabama was selected for the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed and played the No. 4 seed Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, losing 42–35. The loss was Saban's third in Sugar Bowls at Alabama. The Tide finished the season at 12–2.

2015 season

In his ninth 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 top five. It was their lowest preseason ranking since 2009. In the season opener against #20 Wisconsin, Alabama won, 35–17, in Arlington, Texas. In their home opener, the Tide defeated Middle Tennessee, 37–10. In the conference opener, Alabama lost a back-and-forth struggle to #15 Ole Miss, 43–37. The following week Alabama bounced back with a 34–0 win over Louisiana Monroe. The Tide picked up a conference win dominating #8 Georgia, 38–10. Alabama then defeated Arkansas 27–14 for its ninth consecutive win in the series. The following week behind a strong defensive performance, the Tide beat #9 Texas A&M 41–23. In the annual Third Saturday in October meeting, the Tide narrowly defeated Tennessee 19–14 to get its ninth consecutive win in the rivalry. After the bye week, Alabama hosted #2 LSU in a matchup of top-five teams, winning 30–16. It was Saban's fifth consecutive win in the series. The Tide then beat #20 Mississippi State, 31–6, for the eighth straight year. Next, Alabama defeated FCS opponent Charleston Southern, 56–6, to secure Saban's 8th consecutive 10-win season. In the Iron Bowl, Alabama defeated in-state rival Auburn, 29–13, to secure a fourth straight West Division Championship and sixth for Saban at Alabama. The Tide also finished the regular season 11–1 for the fifth straight season. In the SEC Championship, Saban secured his sixth conference title when the Tide defeated #18 Florida 29–15. It was Alabama's 25th conference championship, 2nd consecutive title and third in four years. Alabama for the second straight year was selected to the College Football Playoff and represented as the #2 seed. On December 12, running back Derrick Henry became Saban's second player to win the Heisman Trophy. Saban joined Bob Stoops as the only active coaches to have multiple Heisman winners. In the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, Alabama shut out the #3 seed Michigan State, 38–0. 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 the College Football Playoff National Championship. The victory marked Alabama's 16th national title and fourth in seven seasons. It was Saban's fifth national title and fourth at Alabama. The Tide finished the season at 14–1.

2016 season

Alabama started Saban's tenth season ranked #1 in the AP and Coaches poll. 2016 was the ninth consecutive year Alabama was #1 at some point in the season. In their first meeting since the 1985 Aloha Bowl, Alabama dominated traditional power #20 USC, 52–6, in the Advocare Classic at Arlington, Texas. In their home opener, the Tide took down Western Kentucky, 38–10. In the conference opener, Alabama avenged their last two regular-season losses, defeating #19 Ole Miss 48–43. The next week Saban took on his alma mater Kent State with a 48–0 shutout. On homecoming, Alabama defeated Kentucky 34–6. The next week Saban picked up his 10th consecutive victory over Arkansas, winning 49–30. In the annual Third Saturday in October, Alabama dominated #9 Tennessee 49–10, to win its 10th in a row over the Vols. In their second straight game versus a top-10 opponent, Alabama defeated #6 Texas A&M 33–14. After a bye week, the Tide went to Baton Rouge to face #15 LSU. In a defensive slugfest, Alabama shut out the Tigers 10–0. The win gave Saban his 200th win as a college head coach. The win was also Alabama's sixth in a row over LSU and the first shutout over them since the 2012 BCS National Championship Game. The following week Alabama defeated Mississippi State 51–3. The win gave Saban his ninth consecutive season winning 10 or more games. With a win by Georgia over #9 Auburn, the Tide secured their fifth consecutive SEC West Division Championship, seventh for Saban at Alabama, and 10th overall for his career. The next week the Tide defeated FCS opponent Chattanooga 31–3. In the Iron Bowl, Saban secured an undefeated regular season by defeating in-state rival #16 Auburn 30–12. This was Alabama's third straight win over the Tigers, the first time since 1990–1992. Alabama finished its regular season 12–0 for the third time in Saban's career at Alabama and first since 2009. In the SEC Championship, Alabama defeated #15 Florida in a rematch of the previous season's title game, 54–16. The win gave Alabama its 26th SEC title, 5th for Saban at Alabama and 7th overall for his career. 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 the SEC Championship Game was added in 1992. 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 the Peach Bowl against the #4 seed Washington Huskies. In the first meeting with the Huskies since the 1986 Sun Bowl, Alabama won 24–7. In a rematch 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 1 second left on the clock. Alabama failed to recover Clemson's onside kick and time ran out. The loss snapped Alabama's 26-game winning streak and was Saban's first loss in a title game. The Tide finished the season at 14–1.

2017 season
U.S. Representative Terri Sewell and Saban in 2017

In Saban's 11th season, Alabama started the season #1 in both the AP and Coaches poll for the second consecutive year. This was the 10th season in a row that Alabama was #1 at some point during the season and 4th time to start the season under Saban. In the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in a matchup of top-3 teams, Alabama beat #3 Florida State 24–7. Alabama improved to 5–0 in Chick-fil-A games and Saban improved to 11–0 against former assistant coaches. In the home opener, the Tide defeated Fresno State 41–10. The next week Alabama defeated Colorado State 41–23. In the conference opener, the Tide dominated Vanderbilt 59–0. The following week, Alabama manhandled Ole Miss 66–3, the most points in a game since 1979. The next week, Alabama went on the road and defeated Texas A&M 27–19. The next week, the Tide defeated Arkansas 41–9 for the 11th win in a row in the series. In the annual Third Saturday in October, the Tide defeated Tennessee 45–7. The win was the 11th consecutive victory over the Vols, tying the record set back from 1971 to 1981. Following the bye week, Alabama won its seventh consecutive game over rival #19 LSU 24–10. Alabama then traveled to Starkville and escaped with a 31–24 win over #18 Mississippi State. The win secured Saban's 10th consecutive season with 10 or more wins. On Senior Day, Alabama dominated FCS opponent Mercer 56–0. The win gave Saban's senior class its 51st win, tying the NCAA record. In the Iron Bowl, the Tide suffered its first loss of the season to in-state rival #6 Auburn 26–14. They finished the regular season 11–1. On December 3, Alabama was selected to the College Football Playoff for the 4th consecutive year, becoming the first team to be selected for the playoffs after finishing 2nd 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 seed Clemson Tigers at the Sugar Bowl. In the rematch of the previous two National Championship games, Alabama avenged the previous season's only loss, to Clemson, winning 24–6. The win gave Saban his first Sugar Bowl victory as Alabama's coach, ending a 3-game losing streak in the bowl. The win secured Saban his third consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff Championship game. It also gave Saban's Senior class an NCAA-record 52nd win. Alabama took on the #3 seed Georgia Bulldogs in the 2nd ever National Championship game between SEC schools. In overtime, backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw the game-winning touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith for a 26–23 victory. This was Alabama's 17th National Championship and fifth title in nine seasons. Saban tied Coach Bear Bryant with six National Championships for most all time in the poll era. The Tide finished the season 13–1.

2018 season

In this twelfth season, Alabama started the season ranked #1 in the AP and coaches poll for the third consecutive year. In the Camping World Kickoff in Orlando, Florida, the Tide defeated Louisville 51–14.[52] In the home opener, the Tide dominated Arkansas State 57–7.[53] In their conference opener against Ole Miss, the Crimson Tide won 62–7.[54] The Tide then defeated Jimbo Fisher and #22 Texas A&M 45–23. The following week, Alabama beat Louisiana 56–14. Alabama then went to Fayetteville and defeated Arkansas 65–31 for its 12th consecutive victory over the Hogs. On homecoming, the Tide defeated Missouri 39–10. In the Third Saturday in October, Alabama defeated rival Tennessee 58–21. It was the longest winning streak against the Vols with 12 wins and most points scored against them. After the bye week, Alabama traveled to Baton Rouge to take on #4 LSU in a top 4 matchup. The Tide shutout the Tigers 29–0, securing its 7th straight division title. The win was Saban's 8th consecutive victory over LSU. The win also gave Alabama its 900th win in program history. The Tide then shutout #18 Mississippi State 24–0, the second consecutive shutout of a conference opponent for first time since 1980. The win secured Saban his 11th straight 10-win season. The Tide then defeated FCS opponent The Citadel 50–17. In the Iron Bowl, Alabama avenged the previous season's only loss, to rival Auburn, defeating the Tigers 52–21. The win secured Saban's 4th undefeated regular season. In the SEC Championship, Alabama, behind backup QB Jalen Hurts, overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat #4 Georgia 35–28. The win gave Alabama its 27th SEC Championship. It was Saban's 8th 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. The following day, Alabama was selected for the College Football Playoff for the fifth year in a row. They were selected as the #1 seed for the third time and played the #4 seed Oklahoma at the Orange Bowl. In the first meeting since the 2014 Sugar Bowl, the Tide ended a three-game losing streak to Oklahoma, winning 45–34. It was Alabama's first Orange Bowl win since 1966. The Tide advanced to the National Championship game for the 4th consecutive year and played the #2 seed Clemson Tigers. In the third title game in four years against Clemson, Saban suffered his worst loss at Alabama, losing 44–16. Saban fell to 2–2 in CFP championship games. The Tide finished the season 14–1.

2019 season

In his thirteenth season, Alabama began the year ranked #2 in the AP and coaches poll. In the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Alabama defeated Duke 42–3. In the home opener, the Tide rolled New Mexico State 62–10. In their conference opener, Alabama traveled to Columbia, SC and defeated South Carolina 47–23. Alabama then defeated Southern Miss 49–7. Alabama, back in conference play, defeated Ole Miss 59–31. The next day, Alabama moved to #1 in the AP and Coaches poll. 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 to College Station, TX and defeated #24 Texas A&M 47–28. In the Third Saturday in October, the Tide picked up its 13th win a row over Tennessee 35–13. On homecoming, Alabama got its 13th consecutive win over Arkansas 48–7. 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. It also snapped Alabama's 31-home-game winning streak. The next week, Alabama defeated Mississippi State 38–7. On Senior day, the Tide dominated Western Carolina 66–3, securing Saban's 12th consecutive 10 win season. In the Iron Bowl, Saban suffered his second loss of the season to rival #15 Auburn 48–45. It's the first time Saban has lost two games in the regular season since 2010 and didn't qualify for the College Football Playoff for the first time. Alabama finished the regular season at 10–2 and ranked thirteenth in the final College Football Playoff rankings. They were selected to face Jim Harbaugh and #14 Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. In the first meeting since 2012, The Tide won 35–16. The Tide finished the season 11–2.

2020 season

In his 14th season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Alabama's season was cut to an all conference, ten-game season beginning on September 26. Alabama began the season ranked #3 in the AP and Coaches Poll. In the season opener, Alabama went on the road and defeated Missouri 38–19. In the home opener, Alabama defeated #13 Texas A&M 52–24. The following week Saban took on former assistant Lane Kiffin. In a shootout, Alabama defeated Ole Miss 63–48. The 111 points scored was the most in a non-overtime conference game in SEC history. On October 14, 2020, Saban tested positive for COVID-19, along with the university athletic director, Greg Byrne.[55] 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.[56] In the Third Saturday in October, Alabama won its 14th straight over rival Tennessee 48–17. The next week, the Tide shutout Mississippi State 41–0. Following the bye week, Alabama moved up to #1 in the polls. It's the thirteenth year in a row Alabama has reached the top spot during a season. After an extra week off due to COVID-19, Alabama returned to play defeating Kentucky 63–3. The win gave Saban his 250th win as a college head coach. On November 25, Saban returned a positive COVID-19 test. He missed the following game against #22 Auburn in the Iron Bowl, which Alabama won 42–13.[57] The next week, Saban was back on the sideline, as Alabama routed LSU 55-17. The win secured Alabama the SEC West division title, its 15th overall and Saban’s 13th as a coach. Alabama finished the regular season undefeated after defeating Arkansas 52-3. It was Saban’s fifth undefeated regular season at Alabama and becomes first coach to win ten conference games in a season. It marks Alabama’s 13th consecutive 10 win season as well. In the SEC Championship, Alabama hung on in a high scoring game against #7 Florida 52-46. The win secured Alabama its 28th SEC title and gave Saban his ninth overall. The following day, Alabama was selected for the College Football Playoff for the sixth time in seven years. Alabama was selected as the #1 seed and played the #4 seed Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl. In the first meeting since the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, the Tide defeated the Irish 31-14. It was Alabama’s first appearance and win in the Rose Bowl since 1946. On January 5, 2021, DeVonta Smith became Saban’s third Heisman Trophy winner. Mac Jones and Najee Harris finished third and fifth respectively in voting. Alabama became the second program to have three players finish in the top five in Heisman voting. In the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship, Alabama defeated #3 Ohio State 52-24 to win its 18th National Championship. The win gave Saban his seventh overall National Title, and sixth with the Crimson Tide. Saban passed Paul W. Bryant for most titles all time. It was Saban’s second undefeated season and first since 2009. The Tide finished the season 13-0.

Personal life

Saban is a devout Roman Catholic who attends Mass before games.[58] The Sabans attend St. Francis of Assisi University Parish In Tuscaloosa.[59] St. Francis' Parish priest, Father Gerald Holloway, served as a chaplain for the football team before he was transferred.[60] Saban owns a vacation home on Lake Burton in northeast Georgia.

Saban is of Croatian origin.[61] Bill Belichick and Saban are good friends. When Belichick spoke about their relationship, he said: "Two successful Croats in the same division of NFL. You must admit, you don't see that every day."[62]

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.[63] Upon the death of Lou Saban, his widow Joyce Saban said the two men might have been second cousins,[64] but their families say they are not related.

Saban made a cameo appearance as himself in the movie The Blind Side. In August 2010, the movie Nick Saban: Gamechanger was released. Included in the film are interviews from Belichick and Alabama athletic director Mal Moore, among others.

Saban and his wife Terry have been married for over 45 years.[65] They have two children: Nicholas and Kristen. 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 than US$1 million .[66]

Outside of football, Saban keeps in touch with his players, taking a mentor role to his former players. Saban not only speaks with NFL players, but former athletes that have moved on past football, such as Eryk Anders, linebacker turned pro fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.[67]

Coaching tree

Saban is from the Don James coaching tree. After Saban finished his degree at Kent State in 1972, James convinced him to join the Kent State coaching staff as a graduate assistant. Saban's coaching career also encompasses the Bill Belichick coaching tree, having worked as his defensive coordinator during Belichick's tenure as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Saban also worked with Belichick's father, Steve, while on the staff together at Navy in 1982.

Head coaching record

College
Year Team Overall ConferenceStanding Bowl/playoffs Coaches# AP°
Toledo Rockets (Mid-American Conference) (1990)
1990 Toledo 9–27–1T–1st
Toledo: 9–27–1
Michigan State Spartans (Big Ten Conference) (1995–1999)
1995 Michigan State 6–5–14–3–15thL Independence
1996 Michigan State 6–65–35thL Sun
1997 Michigan State 7–54–46thL Aloha
1998 Michigan State 6–64–46th
1999 Michigan State 9–2[n 2]6–2T–2ndFlorida Citrus[n 2]9[n 2]9[n 2]
Michigan State: 34–24–123–16–1
LSU Tigers (Southeastern Conference) (2000–2004)
2000 LSU 8–45–33rd (Western)W Peach22
2001 LSU 10–35–31st (Western)W Sugar†87
2002 LSU 8–55–3T–2nd (Western)[n 3]L Cotton
2003 LSU 13–17–11st (Western)W Sugar†12
2004 LSU 9–36–22nd (Western)L Capital One1616
LSU: 48–1628–12
Alabama Crimson Tide (Southeastern Conference) (2007–present)
2007 Alabama 2–6[n 1]1–4[n 1]T–3rd (Western)W Independence
2008 Alabama 12–28–01st (Western)L Sugar†66
2009 Alabama 14–08–01st (Western)W BCS NCG†11
2010 Alabama 10–35–34th (Western)W Capital One1110
2011 Alabama 12–17–12nd (Western)W BCS NCG†11
2012 Alabama 13–17–11st (Western)W BCS NCG†11
2013 Alabama 11–27–1T–1st (Western)L Sugar†87
2014 Alabama 12–27–11st (Western)L Sugar†44
2015 Alabama 14–17–11st (Western)W Cotton†, W CFP NCG†11
2016 Alabama 14–18–01st (Western)W Peach†, L CFP NCG†22
2017 Alabama 13–17–1T–1st (Western)W Sugar†, W CFP NCG†11
2018 Alabama 14–18–01st (Western)W Orange†, L CFP NCG†22
2019 Alabama 11–26–22nd (Western)W Citrus88
2020 Alabama 13–010–01st (Western)W Rose†, W CFP NCG†11
2021 Alabama 0–00–0
Alabama: 165–23[n 1]95–15[n 1]
Total:256–65–1[n 1]
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

NFL
TeamYearRegular seasonPostseason
WonLostTiesWin %FinishWonLostWin %Result
MIA2005 970.5632nd in AFC East––––
MIA2006 6100.3754th in AFC East––––
MIA Total15170.469–––
Total15170.469

See also

Notes
  1. Saban's on-the-field record in 2007 was 7–6 (4–4 SEC). The NCAA ruled that Alabama must vacate 21 victories due to sanctions stemming from textbook-related infractions. The infractions, and 16 of the vacated victories, began under previous coach Mike 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.[1]
  2. Saban 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 the Florida Citrus Bowl. Michigan State finished the season with an overall record of 10–2 and ranked seventh in both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll.
  3. In 2002, Alabama finished first in Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with a conference record of 6–2, but was ineligible for the division title or postseason play as part of a penalty for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) violations. LSU, Arkansas, and Auburn tied for second place, each with a 5–3 mark in the conference, and were named co-champions. Arkansas was awarded a berth in the SEC Championship Game by virtue of their head-to-head wins over Auburn and LSU.

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Further reading
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