Is Nick Saban Retiring? What Happened to Nick Saban? Is Nick Saban Going to Retire?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Sep 16, 2023
Is Nick Saban Retiring?
No, Nick Saban, the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, is not contemplating retirement despite Alabama's championship drought since 2020 and recent competition from Georgia in the Southeastern Conference. Saban, who has an impressive track record with seven national championships, addressed retirement rumors during an appearance on ESPN's "Pat McAfee Show." He firmly stated that retirement is not on his mind, emphasizing his passion for coaching and his eagerness to face the challenges ahead.
At nearly 72 years old, he expressed feeling great and fully engaged in the sport. Saban's commitment to leading Alabama was evident as he encouraged his team to learn from adversity, particularly after their loss to Texas, and strive for improvement. His unwavering dedication to the program suggests that Nick Saban is not retiring anytime soon.
Looking ahead, Saban is focused on guiding Alabama, currently standing at 1-1, as they tackle upcoming challenges, including their game against South Florida in Tampa. With a remarkable coaching career spanning back to his tenure at Alabama since 2007 and previous coaching stops at Toledo, Michigan State, and LSU, Saban continues to be a significant presence in the world of college football, further dispelling any retirement speculations.
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Who is Nick Saban?
Nick Saban is a highly regarded American football coach known for his remarkable career in the sport. Saban has established himself as one of the most successful and influential figures in college football. Since 2007, he has held the prestigious position of head football coach at the University of Alabama, where he has achieved immense success, including multiple national championships.
Prior to his tenure at Alabama, Saban's coaching journey took him to various institutions and teams. He served as the head coach of the National Football League (NFL)'s Miami Dolphins and also made significant impacts at three different universities: Louisiana State University (LSU), Michigan State University, and the University of Toledo.
Saban's impressive coaching record, marked by his exceptional leadership and strategic prowess, has earned him recognition as one of the greatest coaches in the history of college football. His contributions to the sport have left an enduring legacy and continue to shape the landscape of collegiate athletics.
Name
Nick Saban
Gender
Male
Born
October 31, 1951
Birthplace
Fairmont, West Virginia, U.S.
Age
71
Profession
Football Coach
Current Position
Head Coach
Team
Alabama
Conference
SEC
Coaching Record
190 wins, 28 losses
Spouse
Terry Constable (m. 1971)
Children
2
Nick Saban Family Background
Nick Saban's family background is rooted in Fairmont, West Virginia. He was born to parents Mary and Nick Lou Saban Sr. Growing up, he had a sister named Dianna. Saban's early years were shaped by his upbringing in the small community of Monongah, West Virginia, which is situated approximately 25 miles southwest of Morgantown.
Of notable significance is Nick Saban's Croatian ancestry. His paternal grandfather, Stanko Saban, was born in 1895 in Gospić, a town in the Lika region of Croatia. Stanko's journey took him across the Atlantic, as he emigrated to Portland, Oregon, in 1908 at the age of 13. In the United States, he eventually married Anna Mihalic, who also had Croatian-American heritage. This rich family heritage has undoubtedly played a role in shaping Nick Saban's identity and values throughout his life and coaching career.
Nick Saban Early Life and Education
Nick Saban's early life and education played a crucial role in shaping his future as a successful football coach. He was a talented athlete from a young age and played quarterback on the West Virginia state championship team in 1968. During this time, he had notable teammates like Kerry Marbury, who later went on to excel for the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Canadian Football League.
In terms of his academic journey, Nick Saban graduated from Kent State University in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in business. While at Kent State, he also made his mark on the football field, playing as a defensive back under the guidance of coach Don James. Notably, Saban and a roommate made a fateful decision on May 4, 1970, that spared them from being part of the tragic Kent State shootings. They chose to have lunch before heading to the rally area, avoiding the tragic event.
In 1975, Saban furthered his education by earning a master's degree in sports administration from Kent State. However, this period was marked by a personal loss, as his father passed away during his first year of graduate school. These early experiences in both sports and education laid the foundation for Nick Saban's future as a prominent football coach, where he would go on to achieve great success.
Nick Saban Career
Nick Saban's illustrious coaching career is marked by a series of impactful roles at both the collegiate and professional levels. His journey began as a graduate assistant under Don James at Kent State University, where he initially had no intention of entering the coaching ranks. This decision, however, laid the foundation for his remarkable career in football.
Saban's coaching odyssey took him to various NCAA Division I-A schools, including Syracuse, West Virginia, Ohio State, Navy, and Michigan State. Notably, he served as an assistant coach at these institutions, gaining valuable experience and knowledge in the field of football coaching. In 1989, Saban assumed his first head coaching position at the University of Toledo, where he quickly found success with a 9-2 season, co-championing the Mid-American Conference.
While at Toledo, Saban made a significant impact and even had the opportunity to make a coaching decision that would later resonate in the football world, as he turned down an application from a young Urban Meyer seeking a coaching role on his staff. Subsequently, Saban transitioned to the NFL, joining the Houston Oilers as an assistant coach under Bill Belichick. After four seasons in the NFL, he returned to the collegiate ranks as the head coach of Michigan State in 1995. There, he aimed to revitalize the program and led the Spartans to bowl games in each of his first three seasons.
Saban's journey continued as he took the helm at Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1999. During his tenure, LSU achieved significant successes, including an SEC Championship and a Sugar Bowl victory in 2001. This marked a turning point in his career, establishing Saban as one of the premier coaches in college football. In 2003, Saban reached the pinnacle of college football coaching, leading LSU to a BCS National Championship and solidifying his reputation as a coaching legend. Following his successful stint at LSU, he briefly departed for the NFL, coaching the Miami Dolphins.
However, Saban's college coaching career reached new heights when he assumed the role of head coach at the University of Alabama in 2007. Under his leadership, Alabama enjoyed unparalleled success, winning multiple national championships, including College Football Playoff championships in 2015, 2017, and 2020. As of the 2023 season, Saban continues to lead the Alabama Crimson Tide, cementing his status as one of the greatest college football coaches in history. His career record stands at 281-70-1 as a college head coach, and he has won a total of seven national championships, further solidifying his legacy in the world of football coaching.
Nick Saban Wife
Nick Saban's wife, Terry Saban, is not just a supportive partner but has also carved out her own impressive identity over the years. The couple, who married in 1971, shares a deep and enduring connection that began during their early years in Fairmont, West Virginia. Terry, a native of Fairmont born on January 15, 1952, and Nick, who also hails from the same town, attended the same school, where their paths first crossed in the 7th grade. What started as a friendship between them gradually blossomed into a romantic relationship, and they became high school sweethearts.
Their love story endured through graduation, even as Nick pursued his football career at Kent State University while Terry became a teacher in Virginia. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, the couple remained steadfast in their love and commitment to each other. In 1971, they exchanged their vows and embarked on a journey that has now spanned five decades.
Terry Saban is not only a devoted wife but also a philanthropist with a strong presence in supporting various organizations and businesses associated with her husband. While Nick Saban's coaching career has earned him acclaim and numerous championships, Terry's unwavering support has played a significant role in his success. Together, they have built a lasting partnership that exemplifies dedication, love, and mutual support, making them a respected and admired couple in the world of college football.
Nick Saban Children
Nick Saban and his wife, Terry Saban, have been dedicated parents to their two children, Nicholas and Kristen, for over five decades. Both of their children were adopted, and while Nick Saban is a prominent public figure, he has managed to keep many aspects of his family's private life away from the spotlight. Nicholas Saban, the older of the two siblings, is a university graduate and has also ventured into entrepreneurship, finding success in this field.
He was previously married to Kelse Laney and shares a daughter with her. However, the couple eventually separated, and Nicholas is currently in a relationship with Samira Magarov. Both Nicholas and Kristen are actively involved in their parents' non-profit organization, Nick's Kids Foundation, which is dedicated to providing funds and support for children in need.
Kristen Saban, the younger sibling, is married to her childhood sweetheart, Adam Setas, and they have a child together. The couple resides in Mountain Brook, Birmingham, Alabama. In 2012, Kristen was involved in a legal matter related to an incident during her college years in Alabama. She was accused of beating up one of her sorority sisters, but the lawsuit was resolved in her favor, as it was determined that she had acted in self-defense.
Nick Saban Achievements
Nick Saban's coaching career is adorned with a multitude of achievements and honors that firmly establish him as one of the most accomplished figures in college football history.
7 National Championships: Saban's most notable achievements include seven national championships, which he clinched in the years 2003, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020. This remarkable feat places him among the most successful coaches in the sport's history.
10 SEC Championships: Saban's dominance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is evident with his ten SEC championships, earned in 2001, 2003, 2009, 2012, 2014 to 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2021. These conference titles underscore his ability to consistently lead Alabama to the pinnacle of college football within the highly competitive SEC.
1 MAC Championship: In 1990, during his early coaching years at the University of Toledo, Saban secured the Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship, displaying his coaching prowess on the national stage.
11 SEC Western Division Titles: Saban's excellence extends to the SEC Western Division, where he has claimed the division title on eleven occasions (2001, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2014 to 2018, 2020, and 2021), highlighting his sustained success within the division.
2× Paul "Bear" Bryant Award: Saban's coaching excellence earned him the prestigious Paul "Bear" Bryant Award twice, in 2003 and 2020, recognizing his outstanding contributions to college football.
2× Walter Camp Coach of the Year: Saban was twice honored with the Walter Camp Coach of the Year award in 2008 and 2018, underscoring his exceptional coaching abilities.
George Munger Award: In 2016, Saban received the George Munger Award, further acknowledging his coaching prowess and accomplishments.
Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year: Saban's coaching acumen was recognized with the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year award in 2014, highlighting his commitment to coaching excellence.
2× AP College Football Coach of the Year: Saban earned the AP College Football Coach of the Year award twice, in 2003 and 2008, demonstrating his consistent impact on the sport.
2× Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year: The Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award was bestowed upon Saban in 2003 and 2008, reflecting his exceptional coaching leadership.
Home Depot Coach of the Year: Saban received the Home Depot Coach of the Year award in 2008, acknowledging his pivotal role in the world of college football.
Sporting News Coach of the Year: Saban's contributions were celebrated with the Sporting News Coach of the Year award in 2008, recognizing his outstanding coaching achievements.
Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year: In 2008, Saban was honored with the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year award, emphasizing his positive impact on and off the field.
Bobby Bowden Coach of the Year: Saban's excellence as a coach earned him the Bobby Bowden Coach of the Year award three times, in 2009, 2011, and 2012, further highlighting his influential coaching career.
5× SEC Coach of the Year: Within the SEC, Saban has been recognized as the SEC Coach of the Year five times (2003, 2008, 2009, 2016, and 2020), underscoring his consistent ability to lead Alabama to success in one of college football's most competitive conferences.
Nick Saban's numerous championships and prestigious coaching awards reflect his exceptional coaching career, solidifying his legacy as one of the most accomplished and revered coaches in the history of college football.
Nick Saban Net Worth
Nick Saban has an estimated net worth of $70 million. His primary source of income comes from his coaching career, particularly his role as the head football coach at the University of Alabama. In this capacity, he earns a substantial salary, which typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and various incentives based on the team's success. Additionally, Saban may have endorsement deals and sponsorships with various companies and brands, which can contribute significantly to his income. High-profile coaches like Saban often have endorsement agreements with companies related to sports equipment, apparel, and other products.
Name
Nick Saban
Net Worth
$70 million
Profession
Football coach
Annual Salary
$11.7 million
Nick Saban Net Worth
What Happened to Nick Saban?
Nick Saban, the highly successful head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, has not retired despite the team's recent championship drought since 2020. Saban firmly dismissed retirement rumors. He expressed his passion for coaching and his commitment to the challenges ahead, emphasizing that he feels great physically and mentally.
Is Nick Saban Going to Retire?
No, Nick Saban is not retiring. In fact, he explicitly stated on ESPN's "Pat McAfee Show" that retirement is not on his mind. He expressed his love for coaching, his excitement for the challenges ahead, and his determination to continue leading the Alabama football program. Saban mentioned that rumors about his retirement have circulated for several years but affirmed that he feels great and is focused on the task at hand.
Is Nick Saban Retiring - FAQs
No, Nick Saban is not retiring.
Nick Saban, the highly successful head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, has not retired despite the team's recent championship drought since 2020.
Nick Saban's coaching career record stands at 281 wins, 70 losses, and 1 tie as a college head coach. This impressive record encompasses his tenure at various universities, including Michigan State, LSU, and Alabama.
Nick Saban has won a total of seven national championships as a head coach. He secured these titles in the years 2003, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020, solidifying his status as one of the most successful coaches in college football history.
Nick Saban has received numerous coaching honors and awards during his career, including the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award (twice), Walter Camp Coach of the Year (twice), and multiple SEC Coach of the Year titles. He has also been recognized with the George Munger Award, Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year, and AP College Football Coach of the Year (twice), among others.