Nick Saban, the legendary coach who led the University of Alabama to seven national championships and turned the program into a powerhouse, has announced his retirement after 17 seasons. This marks the end of an era for college football, as Saban’s dominance and unparalleled success will forever remain engraved in the sport’s history.

In a statement, Saban expressed his gratitude for his time at the University of Alabama, calling it a special place for him and his wife, Terry. He emphasized that their focus was not only on winning games but also on creating a lasting legacy by helping players succeed both on and off the field.

Saban took over the Crimson Tide program in 2007 and quickly revived the team’s former glory under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. With a total of six national titles during his tenure, Saban solidified his status as one of the greatest coaches in college football history, earning him celebrity-like status in the state of Alabama.

Terry Saban, Nick’s wife, shared their remarkable journey at Alabama and expressed the hope that their legacy would be defined not only by their winning tradition but also by the positive impact they had on others, particularly through the Nick’s Kids Foundation.

Throughout his career, Saban influenced and mentored several coaching talents, including Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Texas’ Steve Sarkisian, and Mississippi’s Lane Kiffin. His retirement also comes after leading the Crimson Tide to an impressive season, culminating in a Southeastern Conference championship and a College Football Playoff appearance.

During his time at Alabama, Nick Saban secured nine SEC championships and won his first national title in 2009. Subsequent national championships followed in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020. He also claimed an SEC title and national championship with LSU in 2003.

Saban’s winning legacy extended beyond championships. He consistently achieved double-digit win seasons, totaling 16 consecutive years with at least 10 wins. His teams produced numerous NFL players, including four Heisman Trophy winners, and secured 44 first-round draft picks.

Notably, Saban’s coaching prowess allowed him to adapt to the changing landscape of college football, confronting challenges posed by up-tempo offenses and navigating new rules regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights and player transfers.

Before his tenure at Alabama, Saban achieved success as a head coach at Toledo, Michigan State, and LSU, winning a national championship with the latter in 2003. His remarkable consistency and ability to overcome numerous obstacles cemented his status as one of the greatest coaches in the history of football.

Those who knew Saban, such as long-time friend and Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo, hailed him as the greatest coach in football history. Izzo emphasized Saban’s ability to maintain excellence amidst the ever-changing landscape of the sport.

Although Saban’s retirement comes at a time of dynamic transformations in college football, with players now able to profit from their own performances, it is clear that his impact on the sport will endure.

In his final season, Saban led the Tide to a memorable run, culminating in an SEC championship victory over top-ranked Georgia. Despite falling short in the College Football Playoff, Saban expressed immense pride in his team’s accomplishments and emphasized the importance of learning from both successes and failures.

Nick Saban’s contribution to college football will continue to be celebrated and remembered. As the sport bids farewell to a true icon, his extraordinary coaching career serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and a testament to the enduring impact of dedicated leadership.

This article is based on information from the Associated Press and is subject to copyright. The material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.